Ilya Kovalchuk didn’t practice this morning, although that’s not a big surprise. He was at the practice facility this morning and seemed to be walking fine, although he was wearing a knee brace on his injured knee. He’s supposed to be re-examined today or Tuesday and I’m waiting to chat with Don Waddell today for more of an update and his status for the Philly game. Waddell wasn’t at practice today, and was allegedly spotted in Montreal scouting the Habs-Rangers game on Sunday.

Montreal is supposedly willing to move the underachieving Michael Ryder, who was a healthy scratch on Sunday. He’s also an UFA after this season. He’s coming off two 30-goal seasons but only has eight goals this season. But the Thrashers are set at right wing on their scoring lines with Mark Recchi and Marian Hossa, right? Oh yeah.

If the Thrashers end up trading Hossa, and they’re still fighting for first place, it’d make sense for Waddell to make a secondary deal for another scoring winger so this season isn’t a complete wash - Especially with the way the Thrashers have been battling the last couple games. I’m not saying it’s Ryder, but a guy like him would make a lot of sense if Waddell comes to the conclusion that Hossa won’t re-sign, and trading him is the best thing for the franchise.

How about this for a cheap addition on the right side? Darren McCarty just signed a deal to play in the AHL. He signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins after playing 11 games with the Flint Generals in the IHL. He had three goals and three assists in the IHL. C’mon, you wouldn’t like a checking line with Bobby Holik, McCarty and Pascal Dupuis? Alright, maybe not. I was watching too many old Red Wings games on the NHL Network this weekend. By the way, the NHL Network has just surpassed the Big Ten Network as my favorite addition to DirecTV this year. And I’m a guy who watched the countdown clock on the Big Ten Network when it made its debut.

The other hot talk going around the NHL surrounds Peter Forsberg. Tim Panaccio reports in the Philadelphia Inquirer that Paul Holmgren just returned from Sweden and Holmgren chatted with Forsberg. If Forsberg returns, Panaccio is betting on the Flyers winning those sweepstakes. But, that’s a big if. Here’s what Holmgren told the Inquirer: “I honestly don’t have a feel for what his decision will be, and I didn’t get to see him skate,” Holmgren said. “From talking to him, I’m not sure he is ready in his own mind. He doesn’t seem to know if he’s OK.”

The other interesting news out of Sweden surrounds forward Fabian Brunnstrom. The 22-year-old will be a free agent after his season ends and is supposedly on the radar of every NHL team. Maybe all the Swedes on the Thrashers have some pull? He can look at the smooth transition Toby Enstrom made and do the same next season.

Lastly, congrats to Stevie Y for being named the GM of Team Canada for the World Championships. You have to wonder when he’ll get his shot as an NHL GM.

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