Next » Gregory Smith - AP

In this Jan. 2, 2009, photo, Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk celebrates a goal against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL hockey game in Atlanta. Kovalchuk likes the direction of the Thrashers. That might just help the team keep him beyond this season. Kovalchuk said Wednesday, Sept. 30, he's unlikely to have an agreement before this weekend's season opener, as the team had hoped, but remains optimistic about reaching a contract extension. (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)