Phaneuf for Kovalchuk

While I think Kovalchuk will come to terms with the Thrashers before deadline day, if he happens to be put on the trading block Sutter should make a bid for him. And a serious one at that. Phaneuf and whatever else needs to be thrown in to make the deal happen. Calgary needs more offence, and they need it now.

Their current salaries are pretty much on par, so no cap issues for this season. The key is could the Flames find a way to sign Kovalchuk to something long term as Dion is a too steep of a price to pay for a rental player. If they allow Jokinen to walk at the end of the year, there is over $5M in cap space gained. Along with the dollars freed up by moving Dion, its possible that a serious offer could be tabled to the Kovalchuk camp to keep him in town for quite a few years with some money left to better the team elsewhere, like resigning Bourque to start. There is enough depth on the blueline in the organisation at the moment where the loss of Dion could be handled. Especially for a winger who looks to be on schedule for his 6th consecutive 40+ goal season.

Iginla and Kovalchuk on the wings would be a very daunting duo for any team to have to try and contend with. Not that this is a likely scenario of course. We can all dream though.