Kovalchuk Nears Deal with the Devil(s)

[evolver115]

According to a report, it appears that Ilya Kovalchuk is on the verge of re-signing with the New Jersey Devils.

The New York Post is reporting that the unrestricted free agent, who played the final 27 games of last season with the Devils, is going to sign a seven-year, $60 million contract with the team soon.

The Los Angeles Kings dropped out of the running for Kovalchuk on Sunday, while the New York Islanders indicated some interest in the Russian sniper but reportedly never made a formal offer.

Kovalchuk's agent, Jay Grossman, sent a Twitter message on Monday that stated "Ilya Kovalchuk looking to make decision on his future today".

Kovalchuk, 27, was the best forward available when free agency opened last Thursday. He scored 41 goals and 44 assists last year in a season split between the Devils and the Atlanta Thrashers. He was dealt to New Jersey on Feb. 4 along with Anssi Salmela and a 2nd-round draft pick in exchange for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, Patrice Cormier, as well as New Jersey's first and second-round 2010 draft picks.




Interesting off-season in the Atlantic Division if this goes down. A ton of blue-line talent was brought in across the board in the division, and now, one of the premier goal-scorers in the league is about to make it his permanent home.

I'm impressed with the aggressive moves Lou is making down in Jersey. A-Train and Kovy added in FA would be any NHL teams' dream. I'm just surprised that it's NJ doing this.

 

[flyersfan4706]

Do they have the room?

 

[scottflyers88]

yea they need to get rid of salary first. or they will be very close to the 10 % limit. either way i am glad this is almost over. it seems to be holding a lot of things up.

also, kovalchuk was on their team last year. it is not like they are adding anything new. i also think they were better without him last year.

 

[scottflyers88]

wait, actually he might work better now with a different coach. i am not sure if their new one is as defensive minded.

also, is this the report from yesterday? because things fell apart after that.

 

[evolver115]

yea they need to get rid of salary first. or they will be very close to the 10 % limit. either way i am glad this is almost over. it seems to be holding a lot of things up.

also, kovalchuk was on their team last year. it is not like they are adding anything new. i also think they were better without him last year.[/QUOTE]



I realize he was on their team last season, although, it was a short internship, at most. Honestly, I did not think there was a chance Kovy would wind up back with New Jersey. Over the years Jersey typically hasn't been a major player in the UFA derby. There is no question the Devils gave up quite a bit for Kovy, but teams lose out on these deadline deals year in and year out when the UFA goes somewhere else around this time.

If Jersey does indeed ink Kovalchuk, the balance of power in the Atlantic division will be very different next year if Kovy is given a chance to put in a full regular season of work, I believe he can be a very valuable piece in Jersey.

 

[scottflyers88]

so, is this the article they made yesterday? because if it is then you are a little late posting it.

 

[evolver115]

so, is this the article they made yesterday? because if it is then you are a little late posting it.

It is from last night.




In my defense, my headline says NEARS deal, not SIGNS deal. I was just excited to see that this derby may be nearing the end of its run.

 

[flyersfan4706]

If Kovy stays with the Devils the Atlantic Division has 3 solid contenders. One division. Who the hell in the Eastern Conference will be missing the playoffs?

 

[scottflyers88]

somebody posted this article yesterday. it said it was a done deal and then they switched it.

 

[evolver115]

If Kovy stays with the Devils the Atlantic Division has 3 solid contenders. One division. Who the hell in the Eastern Conference will be missing the playoffs?

If Kovy stays in NJ, it makes the Atlantic the toughest division in the East, which it already was, and I believe, the toughest division in the NHL.

 

[flyersfan4706]

This is gonna be one awesome fuckin' year from the looks of it!

 

[scottflyers88]

he said he was going to decide yesterday and then switched it to today. he better hurry up. this seems to be delaying the gagne deal.

 

[flyersfan4706]

I think I asked you before, Scott. What young winger do you have in mind for a Gags deal?

 

[Dupster]

It is from last night.




In my defense, my headline says NEARS deal, not SIGNS deal. I was just excited to see that this derby may be nearing the end of its run.

It's from yesterday morning:

http://www.sportshoopla.com/forums/...10384-lebrun-reporting-ny-post-reporting.html

My bad perhaps for not putting anything in the actual subject line.

 

[evolver115]

I would love to see this happen. Every divisional game will be just a little more important this year, particularly for Philly, Pitt and New Jersey. It will be one hell of a ride.

 

[scottflyers88]

I think I asked you before, Scott. What young winger do you have in mind for a Gags deal?

i am not sure. it really depends on the team they trade with though. i do not know about a lot of other teams young wingers. i guess a simmonds type of guy though.

 

[evolver115]

It's from yesterday morning:

http://www.sportshoopla.com/forums/...10384-lebrun-reporting-ny-post-reporting.html

My bad perhaps for not putting anything in the actual subject line.

It might have helped

I honestly didn't see it. I even read down to the bottom of the first page to see if there was a new one about the goings-on with this.

 

[flyersfan4706]

I would love to see this happen. Every divisional game will be just a little more important this year, particularly for Philly, Pitt and New Jersey. It will be one hell of a ride.

Hell yeah! I wonder what New Yorkers are going be thinking if this deal happens.

 

[ritari330]

I agree with scott, Think Devs are beter w/out Kovy

 

[scottflyers88]

record wise i am pretty sure they were. and he was not very good in the playoffs.