I have a suspicion somebody threw out this recent meeting between Ilya Kovalchuk and Atlanta GM Don Waddell in an effort to jumpstart the market for the superstar sniper.
Doesn’t mean it was a bad move, I’m just sayin.
I’m not about to suggest Kovalchuk isn’t close to being dealt because we all know that day is coming. Where he lands nobody seems to know.
What I can tell you is where he likely won’t be headed.
Kings?
Speaking to a source with inside knowledge of the Kings organization I can tell you they don’t appear interested in trading away some youth or even roster players for a rental player. The Kings are a realistic group and they continue to make some real positive strides as an organization, but they also realize they most likely are not winning the Stanley Cup this season. Besides all this, they keep winning games without Kovalchuk.
I’ve heard the name Michal Handzus going the other way from LA which is completely false. First off Handzus has a no-trade and hasn’t been asked to waive it, secondly he’s a big part of their club and they aren’t looking to move him. I’ve also heard Alexander Frolov whose contract is up after this season. The fact that he’ll be a free agent makes him less attractive for Waddell and company.
Moving on to the Chicago Blackhawks it appears they are getting cold feet and moving away from Kovalchuk. After the recent signings the club has made including long-term deals to Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith Chicago realizes they don’t have the cap space to sign Kovalchuk beyond this season. It’s very doubtful he would end up there.
One thing Waddell has made clear to other NHL General Managers is that it’s important that his club makes the playoffs this season. In other words he needs players in return who can help his team win now. I’m sure a pick and a prospect may be included in any deal but you can bet a couple of roster players will be involved as well.
Enter the Phialdelphia Flyers who could probably pull off this deal by moving a Daniel Briere and a Scott Hartnell among others. These players could certainly help Atlanta continue the important playoff push while helping the Thrashers moving forward.
This deal in all likelihood will be no different than the other deals we’ve seen in recent years. Whoever takes on Kovalchuk will likely be sending close to the same amount of dollars the other way. There aren’t too many clubs (especially Cup contenders) who can afford to take on Kovachuk’s salary without ridding themselves of close to the same amount of salary.
One team to play very close attention to is the New Jersey Devils. Many NHL scouts expect Devils GM Lou Lamoriello to be real aggressive this year. Martin Brodeur is playing awesome and the coaching has been terrific. A couple of key trades and this club will be in great shape to take a shot. I’m not sure they have the assets to get a Kovalchuk but if they can get a scorer and a quality offensive D-man they will be sitting nice.
There has been some talk around the NHL that Thrashers Executive Rick Dudley was recently in NJ meeting face to face with Lamoriello. I have not confirmed this to be true.
Rink Rats!
Not sure what took Columbus so long to fire Ken Hitchcock as this train was never going to get turned around. This is an interesting organization that needs players in the worst way. When will they get a true #1 center to play with their franchise player in Rick Nash? I’m sorry but R.J. Umberger isn’t going to cut it for the Blue Jackets. If you look around the NHL, teams that don’t have a legitimate #1 center don’t win too many games. Just ask Jarome Iginla how it has affected his game.
Columbus has made some real poor decisions, just look at the money they gave Derick Brassard! This guy’s salary will jump to $3.2 next season with little offensive production.
How will this impact the Blues re-signing David Perron?
I still can’t believe Islanders goaltender Martin Biron turned down a lengthy long-term extension last season worth more than $4 million per year only to end up signing a $1.4 one year deal in the summer.
The Kings say they aren’t shopping goaltending prospect Jonathan Bernier which may be bad news to the former first round pick who may have a hard time cracking the NHL roster anytime soon with Quick and Ersbrg under contract next season.
Word is Carolina is asking for a top prospect and a first round pick for Ray Whitney.
I hope The NY Rangers didn’t think Olli Jokinen would be a guy who can play with Marian Gaborik. Jokinen is not a set up guy and they are much better off with Vaclav Prospal centering their star player.
Look for Toronto forward Lee Stempniak to end up in either Edmonton or his hometown Buffalo.
Blues Clues!
Word is Kings goalie coach Bill Ranford speaks very highly of newly hired goaltending coach Tyler love.
The same can be said for Portland Winterhawks Head Coach Mike Johnson who has also raved about Love.
The honeymoon is over with Davis Payne and the Blues and it’s now time to kick it into high gear if they’re going to make a real playoff push.
There is a fine line between being loose and too loose and there are times this club appears to be too comfortable for a club on the outside looking in. A little more focus between games is necessary here.
Wednesday night was a start as Chris Mason literally carried the club as he was outstanding for the Blues Wednesday night.
Why can’t Paul Kariya play the way he did Wednesday night more often?
Meet T.J. Oshie and Brad Boyes Feb. 5th from 3:00-4:30 at the Kirkwood Verizon Wireless store. Register to win 2011 Blues season tix.
More to come,
Andy Strickland
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St Louis Blues Blogger •1380 ESPN • 
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