Could be...which might explain why she never actually wrote a story on the subject. It could also explain that Rove was not her source...but Joseph Wilson was.
I think you have the answer. Novak said "Administration officials" which would take in Wilson and his wife. If Judith M. called them and got the info, then talked with Novak, it does connect the dots. Wilson would have no problem being frank with a NYT reporter, even to the point of letting them know they were going to get the President.