Proposal: Ilya Kovalchuk to Boston.

[remer]

They could have just signed him. No team is giving Montreal a thing for him.

Bingo!!
A second or a third??? Ha .......Delusional Hab fan.
The Habs are not getting anything for someone that was basically free. Let's get real.
Lock this up.

 

[BruinLVGA]

I'd refuse if I was Kovalchuk

These top teams were disrespectful to his talent level and skill to not sign him to a minimum contract. Let Boston fail in the playoffs like they usually do to teach them a lesson.

EDIT: Jesus, you're a Devils fan. And you talk about fail??? It's not 2003 anymore... I have a soft spot for the Devils because of Hischier, but you should be right around the last one to talk about other team's fail. Start by getting to the playoffs a touch more often, eh?

 

[wintersej]

If he keeps this up until the TDL people will pay.

People are not going to pay based off of a half dozen game sample size.

 

[ViD]

I'd refuse if I was Kovalchuk

These top teams were disrespectful to his talent level and skill to not sign him to a minimum contract. Let Boston fail in the playoffs like they usually do to teach them a lesson.

But he wants a crack at the cup

 

[BLNY]

This has been bounced around in threads not linked to any team. Just general discussion. Consensus seemed to be no more than a third unless you manage to get teams into a bidding war.

His value prior to signing with Montreal is meaningless. He's shown a commitment and attention to details at both ends of the ice while in Montreal. Things didn't work in LA. They work in Montreal. They can work elsewhere.

If he'd been with Montreal the last couple of years, was producing at a rate similar to what he is now, and the team was still out, teams would offer a fair bit. Regardless of his age, guys with his skills that hit the trade market fetch a return. It's only diminished because he's been with Montreal for a couple of weeks.

From a Montreal perspective, the prudent thing to do is trade him at the deadline. Depending on what Caufield chooses to do after this season, I'd consider bringing Ilya back on a one year deal. He's fit in well, likes the group, has gone above and beyond (taking the whole team out to dinner), and I think he'd be a good offensive mentor for some of our young players.

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

I'd refuse if I was Kovalchuk

These top teams were disrespectful to his talent level and skill to not sign him to a minimum contract. Let Boston fail in the playoffs like they usually do to teach them a lesson.

At least Boston makes the playoffs

Boston isn't giving up anything for Kovalchuk. They could have had him for free.

 

[FerrisRox]

Is there any proof that nobody else offered him a contract?

On the contrary, Brian Burke was quite clear on last nights telecast that there were other teams that were interested.

 

[Mark Kandy]

Funny to see all the "He won't get anything at the deadline, he was free a couple of weeks ago" comments. I think the past showed us a LOT of times that we're often off on players value on this board.

Brian freaking Boyle was worth a 2nd round pick at last years deadline. Kovalchuk is playing some good hockey lately and guess what, teams have scouts watching NHL games and they obviously noticed that. Plus he has 5 points in 6 games. And 14 points in 23 games this season even if the Kings misused him (he possibly deserved it, I don't know). That's a 50 points/season pace. I think he holds some value. A little value at the very least.

And stop with the "Nobody wanted him". You don't know how many offers he received.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Agalloch]

3rd round pick 2021 draft.

 

[Ryan Michaels]

I don't know why the hell a playoff team didn't take a chance on him when he could've been had for free? It was obvious he still had offensive ability as he produced even in his terrible situations in LA, now he's going to put up respectable numbers playing higher up in a depleted lineup, story old as time, and some GM will pay an asset for him. Having said that I doubt he gets a 2nd, still doesn't make a lick of sense to me it was no risk, medium reward and no one bit.

Boston does seem like a good fit. So many people worry about his foot speed but he'd likely be tested as a winger for Kreici, whose best line combo featured Lucic so he just might fit.

 

[KingsHockey24]

I'd refuse if I was Kovalchuk

These top teams were disrespectful to his talent level and skill to not sign him to a minimum contract. Let Boston fail in the playoffs like they usually do to teach them a lesson.

His main goal is winning a Stanley Cup. That won't be happening in Montreal.

I'd love to see him to go a Pittsburgh/Boston

 

[Captain Mountain]

Why Boston?

 

[danpantz]

Boston and Montreal don't exactly trade with each other very often. I'd think any other team in the league has a better shot at a trade.

 

[Sam Dynamite]

I'd refuse if I was Kovalchuk

These top teams were disrespectful to his talent level and skill to not sign him to a minimum contract. Let Boston fail in the playoffs like they usually do to teach them a lesson.

Only problem is that you can't refuse a trade lol

 

[YP44]

Why Boston?

because Boston was rumored to be one of the last teams in on him when he signed in LA, they were rumored to be interested in trading for him at last year's deadline (but LA would not retain enough...good job Blake), and they still could use another RW.

As a King's fan I am glad he is getting the chance to play his game. I hope his improved play continues but if Habs fan expect to turn him into anything more than a 5th rounder they should not get their hopes up.

What would be ironic is that one of the front runner for Toffoli is Boston. If they do deal for Kovalchuk it would likely mean they are out on Toffoli.

 

[Captain Mountain]

because Boston was rumored to be one of the last teams in on him when he signed in LA, they were rumored to be interested in trading for him at last year's deadline (but LA would not retain enough...good job Blake), and they still could use another RW.

As a King's fan I am glad he is getting the chance to play his game. I hope his improved play continues but if Habs fan expect to turn him into anything more than a 5th rounder they should not get their hopes up.

What would be ironic is that one of the front runner for Toffoli is Boston. If they do deal for Kovalchuk it would likely mean they are out on Toffoli.

I guess, but they didn't sign him. My guess is that if Kovalchuk continues to rehabilitate his reputation, a number of teams would be interest in him as an expected low price tag + low cap hit injury insurance. So If Montreal decides to trade Kovalchuk, why would they single out their arch-rivals as the team to do business with? Low price means lots of team to do business with.

 

[Bileur]

Funny to see all the "He won't get anything at the deadline, he was free a couple of weeks ago" comments. I think the past showed us a LOT of times that we're often off on players value on this board.

Brian freaking Boyle was worth a 2nd round pick at last years deadline. Kovalchuk is playing some good hockey lately and guess what, teams have scouts watching NHL games and they obviously noticed that. Plus he has 5 points in 6 games. And 14 points in 23 games this season even if the Kings misused him (he possibly deserved it, I don't know). That's a 50 points/season pace. I think he holds some value. A little value at the very least.

And stop with the "Nobody wanted him". You don't know how many offers he received.

Thanks for reading.

I’m not aware of any examples in recent memory of a guy signing as a UFA in January 3rd (or say mid season) and being traded for significant assets such as a 2nd round pick at the trade deadline of the same season.

Can anyone think of similar situations?

 

[YP44]

I guess, but they didn't sign him. My guess is that if Kovalchuk continues to rehabilitate his reputation, a number of teams would be interest in him as an expected low price tag + low cap hit injury insurance. So If Montreal decides to trade Kovalchuk, why would they single out their arch-rivals as the team to do business with? Low price means lots of team to do business with.

I'm looking at this as Boston reaching out, not Montreal.

They didn't sign him because LA offered an extra year, more money and a NMC. Blarg

 

[abo9]

I’ve seen a few threads asking about Kovalchuk’s trade value now and it seems a lot of Habs fans are setting themselves up for disappointment.

Idk I'm looking at the Rick Nash return and a 2nd round pick doesn't seem too high for Kovalchuk

OP even adds a 4th/5th pick on Montreal's side. Not unrealistic at all imo.

 

[Captain Mountain]

I'm looking at this as Boston reaching out, not Montreal.

They didn't sign him because LA offered an extra year, more money and a NMC. Blarg

1) They could have got him for free, I doubt they have more interest than any other team.

2) Its a thread started by a Habs fan soliciting offers from the Bruins. I just don't see Boston offering more than any other team and, all things being equal, Montreal would probably take the same or similar offer from a team in a different division/conference than from Boston.

 

[abo9]

This has been bounced around in threads not linked to any team. Just general discussion. Consensus seemed to be no more than a third unless you manage to get teams into a bidding war.

His value prior to signing with Montreal is meaningless. He's shown a commitment and attention to details at both ends of the ice while in Montreal. Things didn't work in LA. They work in Montreal. They can work elsewhere.

If he'd been with Montreal the last couple of years, was producing at a rate similar to what he is now, and the team was still out, teams would offer a fair bit. Regardless of his age, guys with his skills that hit the trade market fetch a return. It's only diminished because he's been with Montreal for a couple of weeks.

From a Montreal perspective, the prudent thing to do is trade him at the deadline. Depending on what Caufield chooses to do after this season, I'd consider bringing Ilya back on a one year deal. He's fit in well, likes the group, has gone above and beyond (taking the whole team out to dinner), and I think he'd be a good offensive mentor for some of our young players.

Honestly, he could score 20 points next season and be out of shape, I would bring him back for the sole reason you pointed in the bolded. I believe that the Habs have lacked a true elite forward who can teach some elite-level tricks to the kids so they can actually elevate their plays.

It's not Danault, Tatar, Drouin that are going to show them that type of skillset.

 

[BlackFrancis]

Idk I'm looking at the Rick Nash return and a 2nd round pick doesn't seem too high for Kovalchuk

OP even adds a 4th/5th pick on Montreal's side. Not unrealistic at all imo.

Even the massively overrated and ancient Rick Nash could at least play defense competently.

Thankfully, Clode doesn't have any hair left.

 

[YP44]

1) They could have got him for free, I doubt they have more interest than any other team.

2) Its a thread started by a Habs fan soliciting offers from the Bruins. I just don't see Boston offering more than any other team and, all things being equal, Montreal would probably take the same or similar offer from a team in a different division/conference than from Boston.

fair but what makes you think that any other teams would be interested for point 2 to happen?

and as for point 1, after seeing him being productive maybe interest reignites.

 

[Captain Mountain]

fair but what makes you think that any other teams would be interested for point 2 to happen?

and as for point 1, after seeing him being productive maybe interest reignites.

For the same reason Boston would be? Like, I'm pretty sure Boston isn't the only playoff contending team in the NHL that would look at a productive Kovalchuk and think "hey, maybe we should look to acquire the cheap, productive veteran winger with a league minimum contract?"

 

[BLNY]

Honestly, he could score 20 points next season and be out of shape, I would bring him back for the sole reason you pointed in the bolded. I believe that the Habs have lacked a true elite forward who can teach some elite-level tricks to the kids so they can actually elevate their plays.

It's not Danault, Tatar, Drouin that are going to show them that type of skillset.

Agreed. He seems to have fit in well as a sort of father figure and embraced it. Commuting with Mete every day has given Victor a chance to pick his brain about a lot of things. Having him around for a year would be really good I think.