Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell on Wednesday informed team captain Ilya Kovalchuk to expect a trade, perhaps in a matter of days.

That news drove the rumour mill into overdrive over potential destinations for the talented winger, as the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks were listed as possibilities.

No word on specific asking price but it's believed Waddell is seeking a couple of quality NHL players in addition to a high draft pick and a top prospect or two.

SPECTOR'S TAKE: According to the latest reports, the Bruins aren't considered amongst the front-runners, the Flames are out of the mix, the Blackhawks don't wish to disrupt their team chemistry, the Kings appear the logical choice but are still balking at the asking price, the Thrashers have scouted the Devils and their farm team, the Rangers also might not be among the leaders, the Flyers aren't willing to scrap their future for a rental player, while Canucks GM Mike Gillis is loathe to part with picks and prospects for a short-term return.

Talk of "mystery teams" has also been floated, giving rise to talk of Colorado, Dallas, Montreal, Pittsburgh and Washington getting involved.

For now it's anyone's guess which club could end up with Kovalchuk, but the Kings in my opinion still appear the better choice, given their cap space, available assets and apparent willingness to bring in a name player before the March trade deadline.