Report: Thrashers tell Kovalchuk to expect deal soon

According to a report on TSN.ca, Thrashers GM Don Waddell has told Ilya Kovalchuk to expect a trade within hours to days during a meeting Wednesday.

The report suggests the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers are among the teams interested in acquiring the Russian sniper.

Kovalchuk, who is schedule to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, has been in the rumor mill all season after failing to agree on a contract extension with the team.