Ice Scoopz: Wednesday Afternoon

*-> Major major news out of Atlanta this afternoon! Don Waddell reportedly by several major media sources has told sniper Ilya Kovalchuk he will not be a Thrasher by the end of the week. We all knew Kovalchuk was going but I didn't expect it this soon. I've heard it could be a matter of hours to late Sunday evening. Its hard to say whose gunna win the bidding at this point but we do have many rumored teams. The Boston Bruins have been listed as the main interest as early as last summer. They do have the assets and if they can dump Ryder which they are trying to do the cap. The Washington Capitols have been linked to Ilya because of the Ovechkin factor. They are another team with the cap and prospects to do a deal but I can't see Ovechkin and Kovalchuk sharing the same spot light. The Vancouver Canucks want the franchise player but would they really year apart their 1st line to do so? But imagine a Kovalchuk, Sedins line. The New York Rangers would love to add Kovi as well but there tight against the cap. Could Jokinen be part of the deal? But whose willing to take Wade Redden? The Habs are in the mix too and have longed for a star player. Kovalchuk could be a deciding playoff factor but them too are up against the wall with pricey contracts. The Calgary Flames have nothing left to lose as they've stripped down there team with 2 bizzare deals. How much future can they possibly give up? The Los Angeles Kings could be serious contenders with a guy like Kovalchuk and they have the youth and picks to make it happen. They have already been talking but the price was too steep. Bob McKenzie has also said its not likely to happen. The Blackhawks were rumored to be interested at the start of the season. The Hawks have the assets but for a rental its not worth it for them. Finally the Devils would love some offense but Lou would never over spend for a rental. My prediction is ether the Flames cause there previous moves don't make any sense without a big move and the Bruins because this has been linked for way too long. Stay tuned!