Thrashers encouraged by recent talks with star forward Ilya Kovalchuk

Craig Custance, Sporting News ELMIRA, Ontario -- The Thrashers have played only five games this season, but that doesn't mean they haven't been busy. For one, they're busy winning. At 4-1, they're one of the biggest surprises of the early going. They also have been busy trying to get star forward Ilya Kovalchuk signed to a long-term deal. Atlanta general manager Don Waddell said he and Kovalchuk's agent, Jay Grossman, have had a lot of positive contract talks in the last week. "Every sign continues to point toward getting something done," Waddell told Sporting News. The hot start certainly helps. Winning is important to Kovalchuk, and the team has been doing it, thanks in large part to his strong play. His seven goals are second-most in the NHL. Clearly, he has been able to focus on his play and not worry about the contract negotiations. "Yeah. I think we've got everybody (focused), not just myself," Kovalchuk ...