Lightning assistant Mike Sullivan said the Thrashers want to speak to him about a coaching job, though late Friday night he added that he is not sure exactly what position, head coach or assistant, is on the table. That is because he has not yet made contact with Thrashers GM Don Waddell. It is believed, however, Waddell wants Sullivan as his head coach. All Sullivan said he knows is that Waddell on Thursday asked Lightning GM Jay Feaster for permission to speak to him.

"I have not spoken with Don in person," Sullivan said. "We have exchanged voice mails."

Sullivan, 40, has been with the Lightning one season and got high marks from players for his communication and technical skills. He worked with the defense and the penalty kill. Sullivan said he took the Tampa Bay job with the understanding that he eventually wanted a head coaching job. He previously coached the Bruins from 2003-06.

That the Lightning fired coach John Tortorella, and apparently is close to naming Barry Melrose the new coach (but not until after the draft), obviously made Sullivan's situation tenuous. He has one year left on his Tampa Bay contract.

"A great experience to have worked with Torts," Sullivan said. "It was an invaluable learning experience."

What is interesting about this whole thing is that it is believed, though not confirmed, that the Thrashers had some interest in Tortorella. It is a fluid situation, one that Sullivan admitted he is somewhat uncomfortable talking about.

"I want to be a head coach," Sullivan added. "In the absence of that opportunity, there's not another guy I would want to work for than Torts. I'm certainly grateful to him."