With the Thrashers slipping out of the playoff race, general manager Don Waddell is in position to be one of the few sellers on NHL trade deadline day. He's got the best player on the market, Marian Hossa, and a group of veterans who would be nice pieces for a contender. These five Thrashers are candidates to be traded before 3 p.m. today: Marian Hossa, Bobby Holik, Mark Recchi, Johan Hedberg and Alexei Zhitnik.

With Mats Sundin's decision not to waive his no-trade clause, Hossa becomes the big prize. While some think a Sundin trade would have put pressure on other teams to match the move, Peter Forsberg's decision on Monday to play in Colorado did just that. The believed asking price for Hossa is high: a young roster player, prospect and first-round pick.

• He'd be a great fit for: Detroit. Rival Colorado just got better by signing Forsberg, and adding Hossa would allow the Red Wings to keep up. Among the interested are Montreal, San Jose, Anaheim and Ottawa.

• Hossa on the pending move: "That's the business we are in. I cannot control many things right now. If I stay? Great. If I go, I have a chance to play with another team. I'm prepared for both options."

Bobby Holik

Holik loves to play in meaningful games. His experience, face-off success and size would be a welcome addition for a playoff contender. He's a free agent after this season, so Waddell would be wise to move him rather than let him walk.

• He'd be a great fit for: Minnesota. Coach Jacques Lemaire won a Cup with Holik in New Jersey, and his defensive system is perfect for the Thrashers captain.

• Bobby Holik being Bobby Holik: "It's not even a point to talk about it right now, because right now I'm a Thrasher and I'm going to be a Thrasher all the way to when I'm not a Thrasher. Whatever."

Mark Recchi

Recchi has turned things around this season after being put on waivers by Pittsburgh. Now he has value to a team looking for scoring from the right side and a veteran presence on the power play.

• He'd be a great fit for: Dallas. The Stars might not want to pony up the package to land Hossa now when they can wait and make a run at him this summer. But Recchi would help immediately to provide the scoring they need beside Mike Modano.

• Recchi on staying with the Thrashers: "To be honest, I'd like to help get this thing going here in the right direction. I really enjoy it here; I think we're close to doing some good things. I'd like to be a part of the solution."

Johan Hedberg

Hedberg, who is also a free agent after this season, would be a great insurance policy for a playoff team looking for goaltending help. He's affordable, great in the dressing room, and was the Thrashers' best goalie in the playoffs last season.

• He'd be a great fit for: San Jose. Hedberg developed into an NHL goalie during his time in the Sharks organization and would be the perfect backup for Evgeni Nabokov.

• Hedberg on playing for a winner: "You'd like to win with the team you're with, but if that's not going to happen, you want to win — period.

Alexei Zhitnik

He's in the Thrashers' doghouse right now, but there are teams who remember his strong play down the stretch last season, which is why there's interest in the veteran defenseman. His contract makes him tough to move since he's owed another $3.5 million next season.

• He'd be a great fit for: Any team willing to take on his salary in hopes that a scenery change will light a fire.

• Zhitnik on a deal: "Whatever happens, happens. Sometimes you want to be traded and you don't get traded. Sometimes you want to stay and you get traded. Now, anything can happen."