Editor Update: The internet is abuzz with rumors a deal is in place to send Kovalchuk to Los Angeles for Jack Johnson, Oscar Moller, LA’s 2011 1st round pick, and LA’s 2 2nd round picks with Kovalchuk re-signing with the Kings. We’ll have more if/when confirmed.
The never-ending saga of the trade talks of Atlanta Thrasher winger Ilya Kovalchuk might be coming to an end.
A recent RDS article reports that Atlanta GM Don Waddell had a conference with Kovalchuk today, informing him that a trade may be occurring in the next few days.
In a follow-up post on twitter, ever-reliable TSN reporter Darren Dreger confirmed the rumor, saying: “Don Waddell met with Kovalchuk today to tell him he should expect a trade. 5 or more teams still in.”
The RDS report noted that the two teams most heavily in talks were the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers, but it’s uncertain which five teams Dreger is referring too. Over the past few weeks, the Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks have all been mentioned in trade talks as well.
According to TSN reporter Bob McKenzie, the teams that are currently involved in trade talks are the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Kovalchuk, who will turn 27 in April, is in the last year of his contract and has expressed interest in hitting the free-agent market on July 1. The Atlanta Journal-Consituation reported earlier today that he had recently turned down a multi-year contract with the Thrashers that would have paid him nearly $10 million annually.
Check back with PeteProse as we bring you more on this story, and many others.
Ian Thomas is a journalism student at Stony Brook University. He enjoys Shake Shack, Sean Avery's blog and pretending the New York Mets are a playoff team every year. 
Good deal if it means he re-signs.