Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Contract negotiations between Don Waddell and Ilya Kovalchuk’s agent are ongoing, with more talk scheduled in the next few weeks. Getting Kovalchuk re-signed is a must for the Thrashers. This franchise is struggling, and losing one of the most dynamic players in the league could cripple them.
Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Colorado Avalanche 2009 draft picks Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly will most likely be staying with team for the remainder of the season, as the team decided that both will play in their 10th game of the season on Friday. It is not very often that a team keeps 2 18 year old players. Duchene drafted 3rd overall in 2009, O’Reilly was selected 33rd.
Helene Elliot of the LA Times: Tired of Alexander Frolov sub-par effort, coach Terry Murray made him a healthy scratch Monday night. GM Dean Lombardi agreed with Murray “”It’s not a player making a physical mistake. It borders on not caring and that’s not tolerable,” Lombardi said by phone Monday.” Subject to many rumors over the last couple years, it looks like Frolov could be on his way out of La-La Land. He’s a UFA at the end of the season, but I’d be shocked if he wasn’t dealt before then.
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Jonas Gustavsson was back on skates yesterday, and there is a chance he’ll be ready by next week, possibly for Monday’s game against the Ducks. Joey McDonald is schedule to start on Saturday.
Chris Johnston and Bill Beacon, Canadian Press for CTVOlympics.ca: Captain Canada, Ryan Smyth`s hot start in LA, has him heading the list the `bubble`players for the 2010 Canadian Olympic team. Smyth has been a staple on any Canadian Olympic or World Championship team, answering the bell when ever called, but this might have been the year where some of the younger stars emerged, but it looks like that may not be the case if he keeps his play up.
