Team spokesman Rob Koch says Kovalchuk did not accompany the Thrashers to New York on Wednesday for Thursday night's game against the Rangers.

Kovalchuk left Wednesday morning's practice early and remained in Atlanta in hopes of playing in Friday night's home game against Los Angeles.

Kovalchuk, the Thrashers' captain, was expected to miss three to five weeks after suffering the injury on Oct. 24. He was tied for second in the league with nine goals when he was struck on the foot by a puck against the San Jose Sharks.

Forward Evander Kane's (FSY) status also is uncertain because of a foot injury.