Ilya Kovalchuk Trade Talk Dominates Pregame Atmosphere for Bruins-Canadiens Matchup

With the Canadiens and Bruins set to renew their rivalry in the midst of a tight Eastern Conference playoff race, one would think that the game would be the buzz around TD Garden. Instead, the Bruins players found themselves answering more questions about trade rumors, and of course, their eight-game losing streak.

The biggest name on the block is Atlanta Thrashers sniper Ilya Kovalchuk, who was reportedly told by GM Don Waddell to be ready for a trade within the next few hours or days Wednesday.

"You boys are working the phones, eh?" former Bruins and current Habs forward Glen Metropolit asked reporters Thursday.

Metropolit played with Kovalchuk in the 2006-07 season and said he believes any team could receive a boost from an impact player like that.

"He's an impact player for sure and any team would want him or could use him but from what I hear that [the Thrashers] want, thank God I'm not the GM," Metropolit said. "We as players can't worry about that though. We need to play with the team we have and get the job done."

The latest word around the league had the Bruins and Kings, believed to be front-runners yesterday, backing off from Waddell's demands of two young roster players, a first-round pick and possibly prospects. One source confirmed to NESN.com again Thursday that the 2010 first-round pick acquired from Toronto in the Phil Kessel trade was again a sticking point for the Bruins in trade negotiations, while another said the Bruins were refusing to part with an unnamed "young stud" on the roster for whom Waddell asked.

One has to believe that Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli won't relinquish such assets to rent a player for a team that is currently not even in the playoffs. Obviously, Kovalchuk would provide a scoring spark and emotional boost, but the asking price just seems to be too much right now for a team that may not be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders even with Kovalchuk in the lineup.

Sources did say however that even though the Kings and Bruins have backed off right now, they are "by no means out of it" as far as the Kovalchuk sweepstakes go. There is an intense bidding war going on, and even perennial contenders like the Sharks and Red Wings could get involved.

The next 48 hours will be interesting for sure but for now, the focus at least from the players is on the task at hand.

"I know it's great for [the media] and the fans to talk about, but we need to go out with the group in here and just win," Bruins forward Steve Begin said. "This is the group we have now and I still believe in this group."