Friedman: Kovalchuk Done Playing with the Kings

[Ziggy Stardust]

The problem is that Kovalchuk plays as an individual and is a mismatch playing within a structured system. He can still generate offense, but his shifts are pure chaos because of how irresponsible he is. That said, Kovalchuk still has some tools that team’s desperate for offense could put to use.

 

[super6646]

Frolik for kovalchuck at 50%?

 

[PWJunior]

Doesn't look like he is leaving to Russia or anything. Otherwise why offer him to practice? Seems like a personal issue, and he just needs some time.

Checking CapFriendly, he's got a NMC this season. It becomes a NTC next season.

 

[unicornpig]

Ignorant East coast fan who never sees the Kings play question: is he really that bad?

defensively yes

 

[KingsHockey24]

Whole kings organization seems directionless, at least at the NHL level.

A lot of the roster should've been moved in the Summer.

Jeff Carter, Jonathan Quick, Tyler Toffoli all still on the team.

 

[StreetHawk]

It’s a 35+ contract so the cap hit stays unless they move him to another team.

 

[Kingspiracy]

To me he seems like one of the most creative forwards on the ice for us, its just that no one on the team seems to know wtf hes going to do next.

 

[devilsfan35]

What a drama queen.

 

[The Vasili Jerry]

Anything around Loui Eriksson for Kovalchuk?

 

[HOPE]

will give you alzner for Kovy!

 

[PensPlz]

How is Kovalchuk on the powerplay?

Pens haven't scored a PP goal in their last 10 or 11 games. Won't get any better with Crosby out for at least a bit.

Might be worth it just for that.

 

[SpeakingOfTheDevils]

You're in denial. It's not always the coaches' fault.

Kovalchuk is done.

Yeah, I'm sure you have a better grasp on Kings' players than the Kings fan.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I don't really know why anyone would trade for the rotting corpse of Kovalchuk when you've had guys like Sprong and Ho-Sang available on waivers.

 

[MMC]

 

[BCNate]

Trade you Louie Eriksson for him. Canucks add a little to compensate for the extra year. LE is not a bad player, but a very overpaid player.

 

[Dexter Sinister]

This is what happens when you try to teach someone to play a different style than what they've played their entire career.

 

[Dexter Sinister]

Can we remove Blake and Luc's jerseys from the rafters and burn them now?

 

[JKG33]

LOL the Kings aren't trading him for a worse contract (Eriksson). They'd be better off sitting Kovy and waiting for his deal to expire instead.

 

[crazyfisherman]

i think he would work very well with tkachuk, what does it take fam

 

[backburner]

Looks like a good man for the sens lol. Send em bobby Ryan

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Kings should have no issues retaining a huge amount in any deal. They're not seriously contending or spending to the cap until 22/23 at the earliest.

 

[blankall]

Trade you Louie Eriksson for him. Canucks add a little to compensate for the extra year. LE is not a bad player, but a very overpaid player.

Eriksson is bad.


The Kings wouldn't take on an extra year. They could easily move Kovalchuk for free by retaining half his salary.

 

[Siludin]

Anything around Loui Eriksson for Kovalchuk?

Trade you Louie Eriksson for him. Canucks add a little to compensate for the extra year. LE is not a bad player, but a very overpaid player.

Kovalchuk is worse than Eriksson. Eriksson is a top-9 player on the Kings. LA adds, despite the contract. There are more enticing ways for the Canucks to rid themselves of Eriksson.

 

[abo9]

Why would the Kings sign him if they wanted him to play a defensively structured game??? There's more than enough video evidence on Kovalchuk to make an informed decision...

I thought they brought him for his offensive output

 

[BCNate]

Eriksson is bad.


The Kings wouldn't take on an extra year. They could easily move Kovalchuk for free by retaining half his salary.

No, LE is pretty good on the penalty kill and in his own end. He is awful offensively though. For 2-2.5 Million he would be fine, the issue is he makes 6.