Two people familiar with the situation told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that trade talks around Thrashers’ star winger Ilya Kovalchuk have heated up in the past few days.
Atlanta’s GM Doug Waddell would not comment on the rumors, but he scouted the Islanders and Flyers last week. The Kings, Canucks and Bruins are also reportedly interested in obtaining Kovalchuk.
The Islanders’ potential interest in Kovalchuk was first reported by the Post. The NHL’s trade deadline is March 3, three days after a two-week roster freeze for the Olympics ends.