Atlanta Thrashers management tells captain Ilya Kovalchuk to expect a trade soon. Read on for the details.

TSN.CA: Darren Dreger reports Thrashers GM Don Waddell met with Ilya Kovalchuk today and told him to expect a trade within a matter or hours or days. Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Calgary, Los Angeles, New Jersey and the NY Rangers are believed to have expressed interest.

KUKLA'S KORNER: has a round-up of the latest, including reports the Flyers and Blackhawks don't appear to be in the mix for now.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Well, looks like Waddell has decided to pass on making the playoffs with Kovalchuk in his lineup and try for the best return possible. If Kovalchuk is dealt it's unlikely he'll return to the Thrashers as a UFA this summer although one shouldn't fully rule out the possibility, especially if no other teams are willing to offer up what the Thrashers were. So, the Kovalchuk trade watch is now officially on, it's a matter of when and where.

UPDATE: Bob McKenzie reports the Calgary Flames are not in the bidding for Kovalchuk.

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