Kovalchuk update
I wrote last weekend that the Thrashers would have to enter into a new phase if there was no contract resolution with Ilya Kovalchuk, and that’s exactly what has transpired. While the team remains focused on trying sign the star captain to an extension, it has also started to quietly talk to teams for the first time all season. It only makes sense; the Thrashers have to protect themselves since Kovalchuk is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.