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| Rumor: Kovalchuk close to decision | 07.18.10 at 2:11 pm ET |
Mark Everson of NYpost.com says a source close to Ilya Kovalchuk indicated the Russian free agent is, again, close to making a decision about where he’ll lace up his skates next season.
The Kings, Devils, St. Petersburg of the KHL and a silent NHL bidder have shown interest in the left winger, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2001 NHL draft by the Thrashers — the first Russian to be drafted first overall.
Kovalchuk, considered by some as the best NHL unrestricted free agent ever, was nominated for Rookie of the Year in his 2001-02 season (51 points in 65 games) in Atlanta and played eight seasons there before being traded to New Jersey, choosing free agency at the end of his 2009-10 season.
He was the first Thrashers player to ever score 50 goals in a season when he returned to Atlanta from Russia following the 2004-05 lockout and finished the season scoring 52. In 2007-08 he completed his second 52-goal season in three years.
Last season, in the final year of Kovalchuk’s contract with the Thrashers, the two parties could not make an agreement over a contract extension, as Kovalchuk reportedly denied 12-year, $101 million and seven-year $70 million proposals. The Thrashers traded him to the Devils on Feb. 4 with Anssi Salmela for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya and Patrice Cormier plus a first-round pick and a swap of second-rounders.
The Kings say they believe their chances of scoring Kovalchuk are 50-50. On July 5, Kovalchuk appeared ready to sign with New Jersey when he reverted back to talks with Los Angeles unexpectedly.
The Devils have offered him $60 million over seven years, $100 million over 17 — to revitalize their left wing where Patrik Elias will take over with Jason Arnott available for the center spot. Zach Parise, up for restricted free agency next summer and unrestricted the summer after that, and Brian Rolston and Dainius Zubrus, are also available to play wing in New Jersey.
NYpost.com reported July 5 that the Devils had $6 million in cap space available, with 16 certain roster players, but would have to cover six roster sports with $4 million, turning $2 million over to Kovalchuk, spilling over the $59.4 million cap by $5.94 million until the regular season starts.
Kovalchuk made $7.5 million last season, and recorded 27 points in 27 games with the Devils.
Referring to Kovalchuk as the NHL’s “Jamesian free agent,” the New York Post wrote that one of Canada’s national outlets officially proposed a one-hour prime-time special announcing his decision after LeBron James‘ “Decision” on ESPN.
9 Comments for “Rumor: Kovalchuk close to decision”
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July 18th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Would someone please sign this diva so we can get it over with.
July 18th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Does anybody care, he’s just dragging it out to get the most money,enough already!
July 18th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
All I can say is…whatever!
July 18th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Steve, you are ignorant. If he just wanted money he would have signed with Atlanta, Islanders, or KHL where they were offering the most and where the tax breaks are much less than they are here. He is making a decision that will ultimately affect the rest of his life, as well as his wife and kids. It’s only a big deal to whinny nimrods like yourself. Why does it matter to you?
July 18th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
As a Devils fan I like the idea of having Kovy… But an 85 point-a-year player with no defensive knowledge is not worth the 10 mil a season he seems to want… Ovechkin scores 100 points a year, and actually checks opponents and he doesn’t even receive that. I hope LA signs him so the Devils can pick up a Good 45 point a season offensive defenseman and a 20-25 goal-a-year right wing for the new “A-line” reincarnation for the same money. At least that addresses the team’s real issues at the moment.
July 18th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Its been interesting to watch, however, since Kovy left my Thrashers, I could care less who ends up with this guy. I personally think we are now a better team with out him. Yes, he’s a great player on the offense, but left no room for others to try to score or improve their game. Later Kovy, good luck to you and your next team…if you ever decide on one.
July 18th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Its been interesting to watch, however, since Kovy left my Thrashers, I could care less who ends up with this guy. I personally think we are now a better team with out him. Yes, he’s a great player on the offense, but left no room for others to try to score or improve their game. Later Kovy, good luck to you and your next team…if you ever decide on one.
October 20th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Ive got some sweet party tips from this. Halloween is going be a scary one! Thank you
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