Thread: Kovalchuk is a NJ Devil. Now, get over it already.

Originally Posted by VCRW

Johnson, Bernier, and Moller was a package that was initially suggested as early as November 2008 when gescom started a thread about which defenseman gets traded. It's still the cornerstone of a reasonable offer.

No way you trade a potential franchise goaltender and a potential top pairing Dman for a rental player, not ever going to happen. DL would not do this trade, no way.

If Kovy is signed to a long term deal, then all bets are off, but no way the Kings give up too much for a rental player, they just aren't "one player away" from anything right now.

Originally Posted by Sleestak

No way you trade a potential franchise goaltender and a potential top pairing Dman for a rental player, not ever going to happen. DL would not do this trade, no way.

If Kovy is signed to a long term deal, then all bets are off, but no way the Kings give up too much for a rental player, they just aren't "one player away" from anything right now.

I don't think Lombardi makes the deal if it's only for a rental player. He definitely won't get involved unless there is an agreement in principle preceding the offer. Chicago, Boston or New York would be the players in a rental only sweepstakes.

Originally Posted by Iron Duke

I was fooled for the last half of last season and 30 games of this season, but the work on the ice really hasn't lied since...he even mailed in a 1 on 1 against Neuvirth tonight that could have put them back within 2. I'm sure part of it is playing with a team going down once again into the tank, but his example of late sure isn't likely to have inspired any great play from his teammates. At the least, maybe his departure will finally allow Anderson to implement a defensive system of some kind.

It really is disappointing. Can you imagine being Waddell right now knowing there's no way you should sign the guy to a monster deal, but the fans will hate you when you trade him. This is just another comparison to the Bure trade where the Canucks got Jovanovski, Kevin Weekes, Dave Gagner, tough guy Mike Brown, and a 1st. We'll see what Waddell gets.

Originally Posted by VCRW

You and I have differing opinions about Johnson. I think he is imprisoned within his potential and I don't yet see the big time upside that you obviously do. The centerpiece to me is Bernier with Johnson and Moller as the accompanying adornments. I think the pipeline has enough prospects to replace Jack. Other than Hickey, the one area in which the Kings are not deep in prospects is left shot defensemen. That might be where Johnson is missed.

I don't think being "the best #3 Dman in the NHL" is big time upside. It's actually a big let-down for a guy taken 3rd overall. But it's still very valuable in the big picture.

And as much as I agree that the Kings are deep with Dman prospects, other than Drewiske, none of them have taken the next step and I'm not confident enough that any will to trade Johnson.

Assuming this is true, now what?

Dreger: Sources say Thrashers looking at Kovalchuk scenarios

it's very unlikely Kovalchuk will forfeit his right to unrestricted free agency on July 1 by signing a contract with a new team

Originally Posted by jt

Assuming this is true, now what?

Dreger: Sources say Thrashers looking at Kovalchuk scenarios

That sentence bothered me too. It seems to spell R-E-N-T-A-L. That being the case, the Kings should opt out. If a rental is the answer, there are far cheaper options.

EDIT: Does anyone think Kovalchuk is hoping to play in Chicago with Hossa? Will the Barker & Versteeg rumor now move to Atlanta?

Originally Posted by vcrw

that sentence bothered me too. It seems to spell r-e-n-t-a-l. That being the case, the kings should opt out. If a rental is the answer, the are far cheaper options.

w-h-i-t-n-e-y

Speaking of spelling...

Originally Posted by FBJ

Merged. C'mon folks! When there's already a lengthy non-stickied thread about the same topic, there is no reason to make new threads about the same subject.

If we're going to merge all "Kovalchuk" posts into this one thread, can we at least, after three and a half weeks, edit the thread title so that the player's name is spelled correctly? And no, I'm not requesting for it to be spelled "Ковальчук."

I agree there are cheaper options, but would they accomplish the same goal? I doubt it IF Kovalchuk is the "right" guy.

I doubt Waddell can get a Bure-type package back but if the Hawks are really in the mix it's hard to see how any team can beat them. They WANT to dump some of their salary and the players they'll probably deal (Barker, Versteeg, Sharp) are exactly what the Panthers will want back.

Originally Posted by VCRW

EDIT: Does anyone think Kovalchuk is hoping to play in Chicago with Hossa? Will the Barker & Versteeg rumor now move to Atlanta?

From what I've read and heard, the two were not very fond of each other in their time playing together in Atlanta. I'm sure he would have no problem playing for a contender like the Blackhawks, but Hossa wouldn't be part of the draw.