Team goals at the trade deadline
Atlanta Thrashers — Respected hockey analysts say a deal for Kovalchuk could come at any point now. But as we pointed out above, there will be a lot of talk and pondering from all parties before a deal is finalized.
Toronto Maple Leafs — Brian Burke says he remains open for business after last Sunday’s deals that brought Dion Phaneuf and Jean-Sebastien Giguere to Toronto. The names you hear most are forwards Alexei Ponikarovsky and Lee Stempniak, and defenseman Garnet Exelby.
Washington Capitals — Not much of a change here, as you might expect from a team that never seems to lose. GM George McPhee will, of course, listen, but isn’t likely to look for more than some added depth.
New Jersey Devils — Word on the street is New Jersey is in on Kovalchuk. Of course, that word did not come from GM Lou Lamoriello, who keeps his own counsel about such things. But using history as a guide, Lamoriello did make a deal for a Russian scorer in 2000, Alexander Mogilny, who provided a big edge in winning the 2000 Stanley Cup and going to Game 7 in the 2001 Final.
Buffalo Sabres — Not much change here from last week. The Sabres may want some more scoring — who doesn’t? — but Buffalo also has a strong MVP candidate in goalie Ryan Miller and a strong defensive team approach that wins in the postseason.
Rest of the league here
