Speculation: Kovalchuck To Washington

[tradenashnow]

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 ****load of money in the KHL) takes a massive discount to take a shot at the cup next year with the caps?

Kovalchuk is signing with NYR. The worst kept secret since Shattenkirk signing with NYR

 

[pb1300]

I’m thinking the Panthers make a run at him. He can play with Barkov, who speaks Russian, and with his former teammate Dadonov.

 

[THE Green Man]

To me a team like Dallas would make more sense. Having their top 6 like this could get them back into the playoffs easy now that Bishop is playing well again:
Benn-Seguin-Radulov
Kovalchuk-Spezza-Nichushkin