NFL betting players watched their trade deadline come and go a long time ago, while NHL betting players still have a couple of months. The main name that will keep popping up is Ilya Kovalchuk, and here’s why.

Kovalchuk has averaged just over 42 goals over his seven NHL seasons in Atlanta, and he’s on pace to notch 47 this season. It’s not a matter of money as Atlanta is willing to pay anything to keep their star, but he’s only played in four playoff games with the Thrashers, and it’s not likely that he’ll reach the postseason with them this year. This is why Atlanta needs to trade him and get a return for him, and if they play their cards right, they can get a pile of prospects. Toronto gave up draft picks in the first round of the NHL draft, plus next year’s first-round pick, for Phil Kessel to acquire the winger from Boston. With that kind of precedent, there’s no telling how much Atlanta can get for a proven goal-scorer like Kovalchuk. He doesn’t do much else besides score, but he’s become more of a leader as he’s gotten older, and a great Olympic tournament with Russia could boost his value even higher. Look for US sportsbook odds (US sportsbook reviews) on where he’ll land.