http://www.tsn.ca/radio/audio/dreger-maple-leafs-likely-have-no-interest-in-kovalchuk-1.770353
can likely cross off toronto, I truly believe no one knows anythinmg
can likely cross off toronto, I truly believe no one knows anythinmg
According to some unverified Facebook hockey page, we are working on a deal with San Jose where we trade Kovy for Justin Braun.
eh...I hope that's not the case.
The reality is that all these destinations are inaccurate because nobody is actually hearing from the Kovalchuk camp. These are just speculations in where he'd like to go and no real reporting in terms of talking to Kovalchuk.
This reminds me when Kovalchuk was all but guaranteed to sign with the Kings and then signed with the Devils. Nobody knew anything in reality besides Kovy going over to LA.
There's no way we get a first and a legit prospect.
The first round pick will be late and a legit prospect isn't even in the lineup for the contending team. If a team has a window open now I'm fine shipping a 20 something first and our prospect if it gives us An advantage over the other 8 teams in the conference. But hey that's just me.
Will it sting for a team in the future? Maybe but hey your adding a 45pt player imo and it's not taking away from the current lineup today.
The reality is that all these destinations are inaccurate because nobody is actually hearing from the Kovalchuk camp. These are just speculations in where he'd like to go and no real reporting in terms of talking to Kovalchuk.
This reminds me when Kovalchuk was all but guaranteed to sign with the Kings and then signed with the Devils. Nobody knew anything in reality besides Kovy going over to LA.
Well I mean it's unlikely his camp comes out and says we're talking to the Panthers, Sharks, Rangers, etc. It's not going to be as public as a free agent signing.
If you don't think these leaks are coming from the Kovalchuk camp, you have to believe either A: they are coming from the organizations themselves or B: the journalists are making things up.
Let's disregard B entirely. Let's look at A. What do these organizations benefit from leaking this information? Each organization involved implicitly drives up the price for the player. Why would Columbus leak this information to Larry Brooks? It serves almost no purpose for them. They're not likely to get Kovalchuk. Why would they leak to a NY-based journalist that they're interested? The only way I can see that making sense is if they have a quid pro quo with the journalist that they will leak information like this in exchange for other information either being kept silent about or shaded in a positive light towards the leaker. That seems awfully more convoluted than Option C: Kovalchuk's camp is leaking this information - Brooks isn't in Columbus, and how many favors could he owe someone over there?
Grossman knows how Lou operates and Lou signed two Grossman clients the same summer he signed Kovalchuk. Remebering 2010, it's also possible, given that Larry Brooks seemed to have information about Kovalchuk, that Gulitti and Chere were given that information by Grossman over that summer but chose not to use it because of potential retribution from Lou regarding access.
It's going to be more public and it already is with these revelations, if we assume them to be true. Shero has already said Grossman is negotiating with NHL teams, and he's perfectly free to do that - Kovalchuk does not currently have an NHL contract and the Devils do not possess exclusive negotiating rights with him. Also, any public negotiating done with the NHL only serves to raise the price for him in the KHL as well as the NHL. Get as many names out there as possible.
Kovi on the PK? Strange lol but I'm not surprised with Deboer. That's good to know. Hopefully the two teams can strike a deal.Played his best under Pete, loved using him on the PK as well.
Kovi on the PK? Strange lol but I'm not surprised with Deboer. That's good to know. Hopefully the two teams can strike a deal.
Sharks fan here, haven't read much about Kovy's relationship with Deboer while in NJ but would think it was good since there are rumors of him going to SJ. How did Deboer use him in NJ? Did he thrive under Deboers system? Thank you
Under Deboer in 2012 Kovalchuk led the league among forwards in average ice time with 24:26. League wide among forwards the 2nd most used was only in the 22 minute range! In 2013 Kovy averaged 24:44. Deboer absolutely loved Kovalchuk, he literally put him on for the full 2 minutes on the PP, was on the first unit penalty kill, and would double shift Kovalchuk on the 1st/2nd and 4th lines when necessary.
In the 2012 playoffs Kovy's play time was reduced due to his back injury though. He was taken off the PK and the Devils PK absolutely tanked it in the playoffs as a result. He still was double shifted at times and his forcheck in the pivotal game 5 with the 4th line ultimately produced the goal that put the Devils in the lead for the series and then he added the helpful finishing touches in game 6 in OT to send the Devils to the cup finals.
the Devils PK did NOT tank because of Kovalchuk
good lord.