Rumor: KHL insider hints that Kovalchuk isn't staying in LA

[SpeakingOfTheDevils]

Kovalchuk is.. unhappy? Things aren't.. panning out?

 

[Ace]

If he's doing so well, then why do you object to how the coach is using him?

...

I’m sorry...are you asking why someone would be upset that a player outperforming the rest of the team isn’t being put in situations to succeed more?

That’s...that’s what you’re asking?

 

[beowulf]

Who wants that contract next year? He’s putting up points, but he’s not the player he once was. Wouldn’t shock me if he goes back to the KHL, apparently he wanted to win a cup which doesn’t look like it will happen with the kings

He's putting up points? He has 14 in 22 games for the money he makes and what he was supposed to bring I'd say he is not putting up enough points.

 

[Finnish your Czech]

He's already made ~40% of his salary from his contract due to signing bonuses and front loading the contract. Would be hilarious if he just packs up and leaves.

 

[Lays]

Doesn't help that Willie D doesn't have him on either PP units and is putting him on a line with Kempe and Hagelin.

Who plays PP? Kovy should be playing PP on any team in the league, especially the Kings

 

[Big McLargehuge]

If he's doing so well, then why do you object to how the coach is using him?

I mean, if he is the Kings best player right now, it'd be incredibly easy to argue that he deserves PP time and at least one linemate with functional hands.

If nothing else that's just further evidence of how much of a tire fire the Kings have been this season...even the things that sorta/kinda worked out have the potential to catastrophically blow up in their face at a moment's notice.

 

[Reaper45]

Who plays PP? Kovy should be playing PP on any team in the league, especially the Kings

Guys like Nate Thompson. Desjardins is in full tank mode.

 

[Taluss]

Are you f***ing kidding. What a prick if he does

 

[Jozay]

Kings would probably let him and try to terminate the contract.

 

[ffh]

looks like button got this right like I have mentioned all summer. when the Russian team have a pow wow in the middle of the Olympics to kick you off the top 6 to the 4th line there is something wrong.

 

[bleedgreen]

Why would anyone who was in the hunt for him in the first place shy away now? He chose LA, likely for the same price he would’ve gotten from Boston or other teams interested.

He’s played great, he’s gonna have other teams interested at his price. His play has done nothing to deter it. I’d take him on the Canes.

 

[SML2]

...

I’m sorry...are you asking why someone would be upset that a player outperforming the rest of the team isn’t being put in situations to succeed more?

That’s...that’s what you’re asking?

What I'm saying is if a guy is showing his hand like he's going to desert you, then screw him. You may as well get on dealing without him. If you're going to put my team in a position where we counted on you, but you're selfish and don't care about the team, then I don't care about you, your production, your totals, or your happiness.
I guess it comes down to this. First we don't know if this is even true.
Second if he's unhappy, why? Is it hockey related or not? If the reason he wants to leave the team is because he's not getting PP time, don't you think that's a pretty weak reason to leave? Don't you think there is an easier way to get on the same page?
If it has nothing to do with hockey, and he just doesn't like it there, then I give my guys who want to part of my team those opportunites and make the selfish guy make a decision. Either be part of this team or get on being somewhere else. The sooner the better.

 

[nucksauce]

Louie Eriksson for Ilya Kovalchuk

 

[tucker3434]

Good luck. If he retires again, the kings eat his full cap hit. But maybe they can convince someone like Chia that it’d be a good move.

 

[Reaper45]

Kings would probably let him and try to terminate the contract.

Why wouldn't they? If the player skips back to Russia and doesnt fulfill his contract that's a breach and grounds for termination.

 

[SensFactor]

If kovy does this he's a first class douche

 

[Talisman]

how about trade with penguins!!. Kovy for Bryan rust??.

 

[kylbaz]

His 5 goals is 2nd highest on the team and also leads the team in points.

What the hell are you talking about.

The fact that everyone else on the team is terrible is irrelevant.

 

[bleedgreen]

And part two, why are some people assuming it’s Kovy driving this? If the team reshuffles or rebuilds he’d be one of the first choices for the team to move, if he agreed.

 

[MapleLeafs9]

Zaitsev for Kovalchuk. Let's do it LA.

 

[Reaper45]

Zaitsev for Kovalchuk. Let's do it LA.

Honestly no Russians. Russians and L.A. dont mix.

 

[Mr Positive]

Kings would probably let him and try to terminate the contract.

Yup, and the league will let them

 

[dogbazinho]

Yep. LA has already been allowed to circumvent the cap with some contract breach BS not sure why they won't be allowed to do it again.

 

[KingsHockey24]

People probably think we're being sarcastic when we say Nate Thompson gets PP time.

 

[ManwithNoIdentity]

Signing him to any hefty contract like this was a mistake that a lot of people saw coming in the first place. LA has been a crapshoot of sorts so obviously that can effect his play but doubtful