While most people are focused on the 2010 Super Bowl odds, the NHL season has passed its halfway point and you know what that means: it’s time for trade winds to start blowing.

One of the most bandied about players right now is Atlanta Thrashers sniper, Ilya Kovalchuk, who has been the face of the Thrashers since they drafted him. While they have tried to build around him and get him some help, the reality has been that they simply have failed to do so. They’ve barely even made the playoffs during his time there and as he moves closer and closer to free agency at the end of this season, it’s time for the Thrashers to start looking for what they can get in return for him.

The Thrashers have already had some problems re-signing Kovalchuk because he is probably looking for a fresh environment. One of those environments could be the Calgary Flames, who are desperately looking for scoring.

In return, the Flames have been said to be offering defenseman Dion Phaneuf, who is still one of the best in the NHL, but the team has soured on his performances recently.

The Thrashers could use a solid defenseman – something they have lacked for a while – so keep an eye on the two teams to see if they get together on this. The Flames would be getting a rental but the Thrashers could be getting a rock for years to come.

Alright, back to NFL picks.