AVS NOW THE FAVORITES TO CLINCH GONCHAR DEAL.

Byline: MATT McHALE NHL 

When Washington defenseman Sergei Gonchar was held out of Thursday's game at Florida, the city of Toronto rejoiced.

It was a sign that the Maple Leafs were going to itch the healthy scratch and finally get their man.

Five days later, Gonchar still is with the Capitals and it's the Colorado Avalanche not Toronto with the inside track to make the big deal.

The Avs have been in a bit of a rut lately, with just one victory in seven games heading into Monday night's game with the streaking Tampa Bay Lightning.

And they are fighting off reports that top player Peter Forsberg will skip next season's possible lockout and return to play in his native Sweden.

But they also are famous for pulling off the biggest blockbusters at the trading deadline.

In the past, there was Rob Blake, Ray Bourque and Theo Fleury.

Now, they not only want Gonchar, the Avs want Washington's starting goaltender Olaf Kolzig, even though David Aebischer has had a breakout season after replacing Patrick Roy.

Apparently, the Caps want Colorado defenseman Derek Morris and draft choices in return. Morris, once considered the next Blake, has not produced at Blake's level even though at 25, he is nine years younger than Blake.

Morris also makes $3.5 million this season, not exactly the cost-cutting player the Caps have been getting in their many salary dumps this season.

Washington already has unloaded Jaromir Jagr to the New York Rangers, Peter Bondra to Ottawa and the NHL's leading scorer Robert Lang to Detroit.

In addition to Gonchar and Kolzig, Washington could unload defenseman Brendan Witt and wingers Mike Grier and Michael Nylander before the deadline.

Toronto's package for Gonchar sounds more realistic, defensive prospect Carlo Colaiacovo, draft picks and perhaps prospect Matt Stajan.

The Maple Leafs know they need to make this deal. They are getting old and probably have just one more chance at making a Cup run with the roster they have.

Gonchar, 29, is the league-leading scorer among defensemen with seven goals and 49 points in 56 games.

But Toronto also has become increasing frustrated with Washington general manager George McPhee, who seems to be stalling in an effort to strike a better deal. The trade deadline is a week from Wednesday.

The Avs' interest in Kolzig might seem obsessive since Aebischer has 26 victories in his first full season. Only New Jersey's Martin Brodeurand Dallas' Marty Turco have more. And they were the starters in the All-Star Game.

Money is no object for either the Avs or Leafs. Combined Kolzig and Gonchar are earning $9.9 million this season.

Colorado wants Gonchar and they want Kolzig, who won the Vezina Trophy three years ago, as a backup even though his $6.25 million salary dwarfs Aebischer's $550,000.

Kolzig also has never won the Stanley Cup during his 13 NHL seasons.

Aebischer would open the playoffs for Colorado, but if the Avs falter they don't want rookie Phil Sauve as the fallback position.

It should be an interesting week, and one that could decide the Stanley Cup in June.

--Welcome back: Mike Comrie already has been traded. Twice, in fact.

But tonight, Comrie returns to his hometown of Edmonton, where his ugly split with the Oilers has not been forgotten.

After a drop off in stats and an early exit in the playoffs, Comrie's stock plummeted when he asked for a raise from the $4 million he made last year.

He also did not like the pressure of being a savior in a town still haunted by the ghost of Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier.

Comrie first was traded to the Mighty Ducks, but when Oilers GM Kevin Lowe asked for $2.5 million in compensation from Comrie, the deal died.

In this disappointing Ducks season, it is curious to think if that trade might have enabled them to right their season.

Comrie eventually went to Philadelphia, then onto Phoenix, in a deal for goaltender Sean Burke. Gretzky, who now is a part owner of the Coyotes, is an old family friend of Comrie.

Sunday night in Calgary, Comrie was booed every time he touched the puck. Could have been the Oilers/Flames rivalry. Or it could have been the fans of Alberta jeering someone who wanted to leave.

Tonight will be a lot worse.

``It's part of our game,'' Comrie told reporters after Phoenix lost 4-2. ``Fans will always let you know how they feel. ``I know this might sound crazy but it's a type of flattery.

``It's fun when you're into the game and the crowd's into the game. Whether they're cheering or booing, emotionally it helps you focus on the game.''

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- Matt McHale

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