As we wind to the upcoming faceoff against the Thrashers, I was checking out Puck Daddy's latest post.  It talks about potential market value for Ilya Kovalchuk, citing a Pierre LeBrun article in which LeBrun speculates that the Thrashers could move Kovy for Kris Versteeg and Cam Barker from the Hawks.  A Daily Herald writer, Tim Sassone, is also quoted as saying that Kovy could demand "possibly two top-nine forwards, a defenseman and maybe a high draft pick or two."

Now, I'm reading the comments, and, of course, there are the commenter trade suggestions.  Throwing "Malkin for Kovy" and other such atrocities out the window, one comment intrigued me.  It had us sending Max Talbot, Chris Kunitz, and Sergei Gonchar for Kovy.  While I, personally, am not at all willing to do this deal (Max freakin' Talbot!), I think something close to this may be reasonable.  Of course, that hinges on several variables.  Does Kovy figure as a good locker-room addition?  Is there any chance at all we sign him long-term? (I'm gonna say no, but perhaps others are more optimistic.)  Assuming Kunitz is the centerpiece of the trade, is two and a half years of him worth half a year of Kovalchuk?  I've got a poll attached, so please leave some feedback.  Also, if we have any Atlanta folks with us tonight, let us know what YOU think is a reasonable (or, for your team, desirable) trade package. Thanks!