Penguins/NHL
The Penguins/Thrashers blockbuster trade talk is a fantasy right now but Marian Gaborik in a Thrashers uniform isn’t.
The Penguins and Thrashers are not in the middle of any substantial trade talks. The Thrashers have not put Ilya Kovalchuk on the trade block and in fact they are making a serious run at acquiring Wild forward Marian Gaborik. Don Waddell’s job could be on the line and according to sources there has been some dialogue between Risebrough and Waddell. Waddell needs to make a significant move very soon. If Ilya Kovalchuk ever went on the trade block (which won’t be any time soon), trust me Mario Lemieux and his ownership group would have the Penguins making a significant package to acquire Kovalchuk who has a cap hit of $6.4 million. The pressure is on the front office to find better wingers but the ATL/PIT talk is just fantasy talk right now.
Word is Michel Therrien didn’t want to split up Malkin and Crosby but he has to do something to jump start the play of Petr Sykora.
Could we see a call-up in the next couple weeks? Ray Shero and his scouting staff are expected to take a trip to WBS in the next 7-10 days to scout the progress of a few players.
Brendan Shanahan is officially listening to offers. His wish list includes joining a Stanley Cup contender but he has the opportunity to make the most money signing with mediocre teams Atlanta, St.Louis Ottawa and Vancouver. All four teams have significant interest.
