With Atlanta's season spiraling out of control, there is little doubt that GM Don Waddell will trade Ilya Kovalchuk. It was thought the only chance the Thrashers had of hanging on to the superstar was to put together a competitive, playoff-bound team this season. Despite a strong start, a recent slump has dropped them out of a playoff spot, and it's hard to envision them leapfrogging teams like Philadelphia or Boston. So the question now becomes not if he will go, but where will he go?

One team that will not trade for him is Toronto. Waddell will want NHL ready players in return, with some high draft picks thrown into the mix. Apart from Tomas Kaberle, the Leafs do not have the players to interest Atlanta, and also lack their next two first round draft picks. But Kovalchuk becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season, meaning he is available to the highest bidder. Obviously any team that acquires him via trade would have first shot at signing the sniper. But is there any chance he will consider joining the blue and white next season?

Let's look at some key points to see the chances:

Atmosphere – Kovalchuk has publicly stated that he wants to play in a hockey city. Toronto is obviously mad about the Leafs and about hockey in general. Result: Plus

Salary – Kovalchuk is a superstar, with 219 goals since the lockout. He will expect to be paid like a superstar with a long-term contract at a high dollar value. According to thehockeygm.com, the Leafs are nearly $6-million under the cap this season, and only have $30-million committed next season. They seem to have room. Result: Plus

Team – After languishing in Atlanta his entire career, with only one playoff appearance and zero career playoff wins, Kovalchuk will want to join a contender. The Leafs are obviously in no shape to contend in the next year or two. However, there is a chance if he is traded at the deadline to a contender and experiences a playoff run he might be more willing to join Toronto if he sees they have a chance to contend down the road. Result: Minus

Players – Kovalchuk went public in the summer requesting talented players to play with. Waddell responded with Nik Antropov. A few seasons ago, when partnered with Dany Heatley, he won the Maurice Richard trophy as top NHL goal scorer. To picture him alongside Phil Kessel, and down the road a playmaking wizard like Nazem Kadri should bring a smile to his face. However, depth behind those two might be an issue. Result: Neutral

Bottom Line – As a Leafs fan, it's nice to dream of Ilya Kovalchuk in Toronto. He would be a great fit on the top line, and he would be loved by the city. It would even give the Leafs a chance to send a 5K unit on the ice (Kessel-Kadri-Kovalchuk-Kaberle-Komisarek). While the odds are long, the hope that he comes to Toronto still exists. And a little hope is all that Leafs Nation can ask for.