Written by Chris Wassel | 29 January 2010

As you’ve heard everywhere, the likelihood of Atlanta dealing Ilya Kovalchuk grows by each passing day. But at the current price, will general manager Don Waddell be successful in finding a taker for this year’s coveted deadline prize?? As TSN’s Darren Dreger reported a couple nights ago on NHL On The Fly, the asking price from Waddell is steep. How steep? Waddell is asking for two young roster players, two prospects, and a high draft pick.

That’s a pretty big package (five assets) for someone who could turn out to just be a rental. Obviously, depending on what players/prospects would be included, that package could get smaller (assets wise). Kings insider Rich Hammond reported on Wednesday that L.A. GM Dean Lombardi had made an offer for Kovalchuk; the Thrashers countered, asking for more in the deal. HockeyBuzz writer Matthew Barry had this opinion on who the Kings may give up in the potential trade.

Unless Waddell asks for less after the Olympics, I wouldn’t budge at acquiring ‘Kovy’ for this price. There’s a solid chance that he waits until July 1 to decide on his future, no matter which team he finishes the season with. Is it worth giving up five key assets to have Kovalchuk in your lineup for just 20-or-so games plus the playoffs?? Only if a Stanley Cup is in that team’s possession in June. He’s undoubtedly one of the best players in the league (on pace for nearly 100 points), but has only played in four playoff games.

If a deal isn’t done by the middle of next week (which is highly unlikely), I can’t see any team dealing for ‘Kovy’ until after the roster freeze. Not only does an acquiring team not want to give up the farm and risk an injury to the Russian during the Olympics… but they also wouldn’t want to pay him for the two off weeks.

Time will only tell as to whether another GM will fulfill Waddell’s desired package for Kovalchuk… or if he’ll become less demanding closer to deadline day. Let the rumors, speculation, and suspense continue!

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