Flyers interested in acquiring Thrashers’ Ilya Kovalchuk?

Submitted by Fred Poulin on Tue, 02/02/2010 - 12:19

According to Denis Potvin on XM radio Satellite this morning, the Philadelphia Flyers are very interested in acquiring Altanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk.

Tim Panaccio of CSNPHilly also reported yesterday that Paul Homgren is listening to what Atlanta has to say about their Russian sniper. Holmgren, who is more and more looking for a trade partner, said: "We might want to still do something on defense and forward, but not in goal." CSNPhilly

According to an undisclosed source, Waddell and Holgren met last week to discuss about trade possibilities. Waddell also scouted the Flyers himself on Saturday during the Isles game, but did not meet with Holmgren, the source added.

The Thrashers would have to find a winger, a defenseman and a prospect that add up to what Kovalchuk makes and the Flyers could do this deal. The Flyers think Kovalchuk will want between $9 and $9.5 million on a re-signing and because of that salary, they couldn’t afford Kovalchuk long-term.

Kovalchuk is making $6,389,300 this season; therefore, the Flyers would have to trade the same amount of salary back to the Thrashers for this to happen. In 48 games this season, Kovalchuk notched 31 goals and 27 assists for 58 points with Atlanta.

At the moment, nothing is imminent, but the Flyers are willing to listen to what Don Waddell has to offer. The Flyers blanked the Flames 3-0 yesterday evening to claim the sixth spot in a very-tight Eastern Conference with 59 points in 54 games.

Comments 3

George Prax says:
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 12:26

Well don't forget the cap is prorated by the number of days in the season. I don't think the Flyers have much cap space accumulated anyway, but it might not be exactly 6.38 million they'd have to give back. Still, it would be an interesting trade, they certainly have some young pieces to give up... I'd imagine JVR or Giroux would have to be a part of the deal, Carter?

Kovalchuk in Philly would be scary though (as he would be on any team lol).

Phil T says:
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 13:25

Not sure why they would do that trade tbh. They're lucky enough to have depth at forward, why risk losing it for a rental? They're not going to win the cup with Ray Emery.

George Prax says:
Tue, 02/02/2010 - 13:50

Phil T wrote:

Not sure why they would do that trade tbh. They're lucky enough to have depth at forward, why risk losing it for a rental? They're not going to win the cup with Ray Emery.

Maybe they think they can make another run... I don't blame them for thinking Kovalchuk might give them that chance.

I agree with you though, but this is the Flyers we're talking about.