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Look for winger Ilya Kovalchuk to remain with the Atlanta Thrashers on a deal that could be in excess of 10 years with an average of more than $9 million US per season.
League sources say while Kovalchuk and agent Jay Grossman have held off on agreeing to a deal, discussions with Thrashers general manager Don Waddell have been "favourable."
The belief is that Kovalchuk doesn't want the pressure of playing in a market where he's going to face questions.
Not only have the Thrashers tried to put together a playoff contender this season, Kovalchuk had input on some of the roster decisions that were made.
Dealing Ducks?
A shakeup in Anaheim could be coming soon. While nobody expected the Ducks to be world beaters this season, they were expected to challenge for a playoff spot and since they aren't, GM Bob Murray is desperate to make moves. Sure, he'd love to get goalie J-S Giguere's $6-million cap hit for the next two seasons off the books, but Murray isn't having a lot of luck.
According to league executives, Murray has decided to aim a little lower by offering up underachieving winger Joffrey Lupul, who has a $4.25-million cap hit through 2013, around the league. At that price, it's going to be difficult for Murray to find a trading partner.
The heat has been turned up on coach Randy Carlyle, but the belief is that coaching is the least of the club's worries and Murray had better make some moves.
Scuderi plans to skate
LOS ANGELES -- Kings defenceman Rob Scuderi plans to skate on his own this morning for the first time since suffering a lower body injuring in Tampa on Nov. 14.
Scuderi hopes to return to the lineup Wednesday in Edmonton.
Around the rinks
The Chicago Blackhawks announced that Minnesota claimed centre Andrew Ebbett off waivers ... The Tampa Bay Lightning have recalled defencemen Mike Lundin and Matt Smaby from Norfolk of the AHL.
