With Anaheim expected to make a trade at any moment, the trade rumors continue to circulate around the NHL and Thrashers GM Don Waddell isn’t one to be left out when there are trade discussions. Waddell confirmed that he’s spoken with Anaheim GM Brian Burke about the possibility of a trade. The Ducks presumably would like to clear salary not only for the return of Scott Niedermayer but also to clear room for the possibility of a new contract for Corey Perry.

But it’s not just Anaheim, Waddell said more and more teams are looking to deal. We’re a the the point in the season where it is clear to teams what their strengths and weaknesses are, and now GMs are trying to address them.

First, Waddell on the Anaheim situation: “I don’t know what they’re going to do.”

Thanks, Don.

But you have spoken with Burke?

“I’ve talked to him. In the last week I’ve probably talked to 15 GMs, there’s been more talk going on than there was before. Whether that means anything, I don’t know. We’ll see. “

Again, it’s hard right now to make trades. With the salary cap and parity, finding a match isn’t easy. You have to think about who the Thrashers would give up, and there’s just not the depth on the current roster to make a deal. At forward who is expendable that also has trade value? Right now, what do you think the Thrashers biggest need is?

Practice report: Today was about as optional as it gets. Heck, I didn’t even see Brad McCrimmon out there and he never misses practice. Kari Lehtonen got a good workout, and he’ll get the start against Toronto on Friday night. Waddell pointed out that December is the Thrashers busiest month, so they will continue to keep the goalies rested, but did admit he’d like to see one of the two goalies seize the starting job. “We’re looking for somebody to get hot,” he said.

Popovic setback: One day after saying he was shooting for a return on Friday, Mark Popovic said he doesn’t plan on playing at all this weekend. Day to day is suddenly pushing two weeks.

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