NHL Trade Deadline: Atlanta Thrashers Outlook

UPDATE: Kubina's agent confirms he is close to extension in Atlanta. Take him off the trade list.

OK, so we have a little under four (that's right, four) hours till the deadline passes.

The burning question that stands before us: Who will get shipped out and what new blood arrives here in Atlanta?

Next intriguing question: Are we buyers or sellers today?

With the win yesterday, you have to figure the Thrashers are going to do whatever is in the realm of possibilities to get this team past the first round of the playoffs. Then again, don't tinker with something that isn't broken.

Ok, so that leads us to what parts can be let go. We have two big pieces, Colby Armstrong and Slava Kozlov, that could be packaged nicely in a trade to bring back at least one quality scoring player. As everyone knows, Kozzy (Kozlov for non-Thrasher fans) has asked to be traded so he can play out his final days on the ice and not in a press box, and Armstrong has essentially stopped contract talks with Atlanta.

Also on the bubble are players like Kubina and Afinagenov, who are UFAs at season's end. So now it becomes a question of who garnishes the best return, and is that return greater than what is given up to get it.

With all this considered, that leaves us with three UFA from the Thrashers who are candidates to be moved: Armstrong, Kozlov, and Afinagenov.

Why do you leave out Kubina in this list you ask? Two things: First, he has a no trade clause that prevents the team from throwing him to the wolves. Second, he has done way too much securing this blue line to let him go.

My prediction after all this information: The Thrashers part ways with Army and Kozlov in a packaged deal that brings in a scorer and a late pick in a draft. I was hoping for Ponikarovski from the Leafs but since he is gone, it would be nice to see Raffi Torres to fill Kovy's shoes as the scorer.

Any other guesses that you guys have, lets hear 'em. Also, throw in there if you think the Thrashers are sellers or buyers at this juncture...I'm curious to see other opinions here.