Speculation: Kovalchuck To Washington

[IvanMalison]

Could Washington, with it's league leading 3 russians (Orlov, Kuznetsov and Ovechkin) in prominent roles, and coming off, at minimum an SCF appearance, make sense as a destination for Kovalchuk. The biggest issue is quite obviously cap space -- it's obviously more important for the caps to re sign Carlson and Wilson. Kovalchuk has never been one to take a discount, but you have to assume that part of the reason he wants to return is to add an SC to his resume. NYR is rumored to be the front runner for Kovalchuk, but they really don't make sense if he wants a chance at the cup (given that they recently sold most of their veterans to TB).

What should we expect Kovalchuk's cap hit to be? Is there any chance that he (having made a shitload of money in the KHL) takes a massive discount to take a shot at the cup next year with the caps?

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[AlexBrovechkin8]

If he wants to take the league minimum and play on the 3rd line then maybe we can talk. In other words, no chance he comes to Washington.

 

[SHANNYPLAN]

Line 1: Backstrom & Ovechkin
Line 2: Kuznetsov & Kovalchuk

 

[DearDiary]

No way Kovy takes a discount, he will take everything he can get. He'll also go to a team where he can ride his ego and be the best player.

NYR is perfect for him. Cap room, a lot of attention and some decent support players that he can stand on

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

Blues also have 3 Russian forwards, plus Brodeur. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were in on him.

 

[hockeykicker]

There is zero chance he comes to dc. Caps will use the new cap space for carlson

 

[peterthegreat12]

Pass.

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

Line 1: Backstrom & Ovechkin
Line 2: Kuznetsov & Kovalchuk

A few things. One, it's Kuznetsov & Ovechkin and Backstrom & Oshie. Two, can't see any way Kovalchuk unseats Wilson and Oshie as the top 6 RWs on this team, especially if Trotz comes back. Three, Kovalchuk isn't getting PP1 time over Oshie either.

 

[DingDongCharlie]

I think Washington is much better off spending that cap on defence with either re-signing Carlson or for his replacement.

 

[Riseonfire]

Rumor has it NYI will take a run at Kovy.

 

[moegillknee]

A few things. One, it's Kuznetsov & Ovechkin and Backstrom & Oshie. Two, can't see any way Kovalchuk unseats Wilson and Oshie as the top 6 RWs on this team, especially if Trotz comes back. Three, Kovalchuk isn't getting PP1 time over Oshie either.

Kovy is like Alex O .he plays the left side and shoots right

 

[DarthProbert]

Screw the valid reasons it doesn't work. He'd be a phenomenal addition to Washington.

 

[SpeakingOfTheDevils]

Whoever offers the sweetest deal will land Kovalchuk. That’s literally all there is to it.

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

If Kovy wants an attempt to win he'll take a discount in Tampa and play with Kucherov.

If Kovy wants money he'll sign with the Rangers.

 

[Toreko]

Line 1: Backstrom & Ovechkin
Line 2: Kuznetsov & Kovalchuk

Agree

 

[TomasHertlsRooster]

No way Kovy takes a discount, he will take everything he can get. He'll also go to a team where he can ride his ego and be the best player.

NYR is perfect for him. Cap room, a lot of attention and some decent support players that he can stand on

Um, what? I’m not sure there’s a single NHL team that would have Kovalchuk as their best player. He’s not the same player that he was in 2012.

 

[Lunatik]

There is zero chance he comes to dc. Caps will use the new cap space for carlson

and Wilson

 

[BigTruzz]

*insert Russian on my team*

Nah he wants to play with Goldobin

 

[McNurse]

Kovy is like Alex O .he plays the left side and shoots right

Honestly, this whole time I thought he was a right wing that shot left.

 

[Lunatik]

I've love Kovy on a line with Gaudreau and Monahan.

 

[Ridley Simon]

Caps won’t sign him. Not enough $$$

But for shits and giggles, if they signed him cheap?

Ovechkin - Kuznetsov - Wilson
Kovalchuk - Backstrom - Oshie
Vrana - Eller - Stephenson

Good Lord. Still have Connolly and Burakovksy as well?

 

[trick9]

I think i would rather stay away. Capitals don't really need him nearly as much as almost any other team seeing as he would have very limited role on the PP and he wouldn't get to play in the top-line.

If he wants the Cup and is willing to take a big discount to achieve that then maybe. But he would replace either Connolly or Burakovsky in the line-up so his salary couldn't be much higher than that.

 

[THall4]

No way Kovy takes a discount, he will take everything he can get. He'll also go to a team where he can ride his ego and be the best player.

NYR is perfect for him. Cap room, a lot of attention and some decent support players that he can stand on

If its about riding ego's...

He can be the ONLY Russian on the Oilers roster

Nuge-McDavid
Kovalchuk - Draisaitl

 

[sailorjerry97]

didn't he say he wants to join the Triple Crown club??

 

[Isles72]

Kovy is like Alex O .he plays the left side and shoots right

yeah there might be some redundancy there but imagine backstrom having one on the point , one one the left wall to choose from for one -timers lol , scary