Value of: Kovalchuk confirms NHL return for next season-plans to play 5-6 more years

[haveandare]

He specifically left because he was afraid the owner at the time couldn't pay his contract. He left for a contract in Russia that was shorter in term and would have paid him even more then his contract with New Jersey. The Russian Economy collapsing meant he didn't get more money then if he stayed here. So, actually, yea. He did basically leave for more money at the most inopportune time.

Couldn’t pay the contract he insisted on

 

[Brett44]

He made it clear he wants to win the Cup. And he does not have much time left. My guess is he is going to sign with an obvious contender or stay in St.Peterburg

And like that is the avs are contender
landeskog-mack-rantanen
kovy-tavares-Jost

 

[SDBondra]

Ovy-Kovy-Kuzy

It just sounds right.

 

[GeeoffBrown]

I'm pretty sure the Kovalchuk/Devils split was mutual. I don't really get the hatred for Kovy. He's one of the most exciting players in the world. And he stuck it out for years as the only good player on a failing franchise in Atlanta.

He's gonna come back and make some team look pretty smart IMO

 

[Spoiled Bratt]

Don't really get the Kovy hate. Lou came out and said that Kovalchuk had discussed leaving several times with him in the seasons leading up to his departure. It wasn't a shock or surprise to the front office. He said he wanted to get his kids back to Russia so they could experience it like he did. He's not the first expat to say that and won't be the last. I don't know how worrying about your family suddenly makes you greedy and selfish. Seems like quite the opposite. If he was greedy and selfish he probably would have told his wife to suck it up or go back to Russia by herself.

If that's the case, you don't make your free agent decision turn into "days of our lives 2.0" by taking your sweet time to extract every single penny you can out of a 17 year deal.

If that was the case and he'd have his family's best interest, he wouldn't of jerked the Devils and the Kings, he would've accepted a "normal" contract (length wise) and moved on once his contract was over.

I'm glad he's gone and I couldn't care less if he were to come back since I know he won't be on my team. Anyways, we got a hybrid version of Parise and Kovalchuk in Taylor Hall and that's just fine by me.

 

[haveandare]

If that's the case, you don't make your free agent decision turn into "days of our lives 2.0" by taking your sweet time to extract every single penny you can out of a 17 year deal.

If that was the case and he'd have his family's best interest, he wouldn't of jerked the Devils and the Kings, he would've accepted a "normal" contract (length wise) and moved on once his contract was over.

I'm glad he's gone and I couldn't care less if he were to come back since I know he won't be on my team. Anyways, we got a hybrid version of Parise and Kovalchuk in Taylor Hall and that's just fine by me.

Yeah people seem to forget the ridiculous drama he injected into getting his deal. He's not a "team guy" imo, and while he's still producing well in the KHL, he's not a kid. I don't want him on NYR while we're trying to bring up a bunch of kids and teach them to be pros and I don't think he wants to come here right now if he's looking to win.

 

[AIexisLafreniereNYR]

It would be pointless for the Rangers to sign Kovy BUT I wouldn't be opposed.. He signs with the Rangers for a 3 year deal, then we deal him during the TDL for kings ransom.

I doubt he signs considering were one of the worst teams nowadays

 

[Spoiled Bratt]

It would be pointless for the Rangers to sign Kovy BUT I wouldn't be opposed.. He signs with the Rangers for a 3 year deal, then we deal him during the TDL for kings ransom.

I doubt he signs considering were one of the worst teams nowadays

So you think a 37 year old with a crippled back will return a Kings ransom?

 

[AIexisLafreniereNYR]

So you think a 37 year old with a crippled back will return a Kings ransom?

If he's havinf a great season, has 25 goals or so at that time with a few years on his contract he can certainly bring in a 1st and a B level prospect. Maybe kingsransom was dramatic but he could bring in a Nash level deal

 

[Critical13]

It would be pointless for the Rangers to sign Kovy BUT I wouldn't be opposed.. He signs with the Rangers for a 3 year deal, then we deal him during the TDL for kings ransom.

I doubt he signs considering were one of the worst teams nowadays

A king's ransom for Kovalchuk? Why would he sign 3 years with a rebuilding team that will likely trade him to a place he has no control over? Your logic confuses me?

 

[TML1967]

Depending on price him replacing JVR could be interesting.

Hyman-Matthews-Brown/Kappanen
Marleau-Kadri-Marner
Kovalchuck-Nylander-Brown/Kapanen

Would be some insane 3 line depth, would be a jerk to match up against.

 

[AIexisLafreniereNYR]

A king's ransom for Kovalchuk? Why would he sign 3 years with a rebuilding team that will likely trade him to a place he has no control over? Your logic confuses me?

Did you not read my entire post or are you too blind to see you silly goose you

 

[Dog]

He is not leaving Russia to join just any team! Would expect most teams would not be on his list! As for salary would expect 2 year contract around 5 million a season.

 

[dumpin]

With all of the crazy cap rules I have a question. Say in the scenario where say the Rangers decide to sign Tavares as a free agent. I know a crazy scenario, but play along.

They know that they will have a young and inexpensive team for 2 to 3 years , and hopefully a playoff team when the youngsters develop. Can they front load a contract. Say a five year deal with 10mill first and second year , then 7 for two years and 6 in last year. As the team matures around him , he becomes more affordable and perhaps if things don't work out tradeable. Under current rules is that doable or do they make the teams average cost over term of contract for cap purposes.

 

[Cor]

Last summer it was reported Toronto was on the list of teams he was interested in. I could see the Leafs being interested in him, if he still is/was interested in coming to Toronto.

The "eye" on New York doesn't really make sense to me. Rangers are fully committed to the rebuild, Buffalo is Buffalo, I don't think he wants to go back to New Jersey, the Islanders are kinda in a limbo, but if Tavares re-signs it makes them appealing.

Boston is in that 'Metro' area I suppose. That would make sense.

 

[Cor]

With all of the crazy cap rules I have a question. Say in the scenario where say the Rangers decide to sign Tavares as a free agent. I know a crazy scenario, but play along.

They know that they will have a young and inexpensive team for 2 to 3 years , and hopefully a playoff team when the youngsters develop. Can they front load a contract. Say a five year deal with 10mill first and second year , then 7 for two years and 6 in last year. As the team matures around him , he becomes more affordable and perhaps if things don't work out tradeable. Under current rules is that doable or do they make the teams average cost over term of contract for cap purposes.

Cap Hit is average salary. Front-Loading only really helps with tradability

 

[IamNotADancer]

Ovy-Kovy-Kuzy

It just sounds right.

The K-O-K line

 

[24 others]

Hope he goes to a team I don't like.

 

[Batrous]

I'm sure that some team will take a chance on him. However, backing out of his contract and quitting his team the moment they stopped paying him at the rate he though he was worth will in all likelihood mean that he will not be getting paid anywhere near where he probably thinks he is worth.

 

[Dog]

Hope he goes to a team I don't like.

Honestly, do not want him near the leafs! To much like Yashin in regards of ditching team. Could see some team might risk it but not for 4+ years.. Be lucky to land a 2 year contract based on being out of nhl for so long.

 

[haveandare]

Lol hopes to play 5-6 more years? Missed that first time around. Thats... not going to happen imo.

 

[TomasHertlsRooster]

I think it would be hilarious if he stayed until like 44 years old or whatever ridiculous age he was set to play until under the original Devils contract that was voided

 

[north49er]

Oilers should give this a shot but idk if kovy wants to live in the cold

Why not, St.Petersburg ain't Miami.

 

[zar]

Ovy-Kovy-Kuzy

It just sounds right.

Chuck-Jesus-(into the) Pool... Party

 

[Muston Atthews]

Hope the Leafs can get him on a 1-2 year deal