Kozlov never wanted trade?

by Anthony Curatolo

David Pagnotta of TheFourthPeriod, tweeted yesterday that he spoke with Slava Kozlov’s agent and Kozlov never actually requested a trade out of Atlanta.  Yet, the AJC was told directly from Kozlov that he did want a trade. What exactly transpired is that Kozlov would be willing to waive his No Trade Clause if management approached him about doing so. So many conflicting reports surrounding Kozlov and Thrashers. However, the one clear answer is that it seemed as if a trade was never in place as Kozlov remained a Thrasher post deadline.

Don Waddell must have had other ideas. Feeling this team is capable of making a playoff push, especially considering how weak the Eastern Conference is, Waddell stood firm on making any major moves aside from acquiring Clarke MacArthur from the Buffalo Sabres.

Tonight, the Thrashers play host to the New York Islanders.  A team that has had it’s share of ups and downs this season. Coming off a big victory against one of the Western Conferences’ power houses could prove just what this Thrashers teams will give heading into the final month of hockey.

Having adjusted to the move that sent Ilya Kovalchuk to the New Jersey Devils means what you see is what you get from here until mid-April when the regular season officially ends.

The Thrashers are currently one point out of a playoff spot, as they sit in 10th place in the East with 64 points. Boston currently holds the eight seed with 65 points and Montreal is in 7th with 66 points.  Both teams are in action tonight.

A Thrashers victory combined with either a Canadiens and/or Bruins loss would mean that the seeds would shift, even if just for tonight. A win would also prevent the Islanders from sweeping the season series.

Tonight’s line-up (subject to change):

Bergie – Antropov – Little
Mac – Peverley – Max
Kane – Slater – Army
Arty – Reasoner – Thorburn

Enstrom – Kubina
Oduya – Hainsey
Bogosian – Shubert

Moose

There is still enough hockey left for drastic changes to take place in the standings. Tonight, the Thrashers look to take a step in the right direction with a victory.

Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Clarke MacArthur, Ilya Kovalchuk, National Hockey League, NHL, Slava Kozlov