TSN.ca and now NHL.com are reporting that Thrashers general manager Don Waddell has told sniper Ilya Kovalcvhuk to prepare himself for a trade. Where Kovalchuk is heading remains a mystery, but the Flyers, Islanders, Rangers, Blackhawks and Kings are believed to be the five NHL teams most interested. If the Flyers are able to land Kovalchuk, they almost certainly would have to give up Jeff Carter, although some believe they could get a deal done with Claude Giroux or James van Riemsdyk. What makes any trade offer from the Flyers difficult is the fact they are without a draft pick in the first or second round this June and the Thrashers will want at least a first-rounder in the deal, along with two or three players/prospects. The Flyers are thin on top prospects, which makes them a longshot to acquire Kovy.

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