Speculation: Would Leafs have interest in Kovalchuk?

[Josh S]

I know, I know. The history between Ilya and Lou probably make this impossible, but hear me out:

With JVR set to hit UFA, we re going to need a LW. Who better then one of the best snipers in the history of the game? As a bonus, if we signed Kovalchuk, he d give us the best 1 timer we ve had on our PP since Bryan McCabe.
Not to mention, this guy has extensive Olympic experience, SC final appearance and a former NHL captain, all things the good, young players on our team could learn from.


What'd you guys think? Yay or Nay to Kovi?

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[ToneDog]

According to Ek who heard from friends of Kovi's, he is a lock

 

[DarkKnight]

God no.

 

[Schenn]

We have young wingers ready to graduate I'd rather spend the money on D and increase the roles of guys like Kapanen and Johnsson

 

[Apotheosis]

On a 1 year deal only.

 

[Rob Brown]

We have young wingers ready to graduate I'd rather spend the money on D and increase the roles of guys like Kapanen and Johnsson

Agreed. Not a great move for us.

 

[Josh S]

We have young wingers ready to graduate I'd rather spend the money on D and increase the roles of guys like Kapanen and Johnsson

Signing Kovalchuk would give us the option of tradng one of our young wingers such as Nylander, Marner, Brown, etc and adding that young, top end RD d-man we all want on this team . He would balance out the wings because outside of Marleau (next year) our RWs are considerably better. I don't know man, I think if we have the chance to add a LW of this magnitude we do it and fix the D by moving a piece on RW . It would be a deeper, more experienced Leaf team from LW to RW to D with Kovi and a trade or two.

 

[FlyingLeafus]

I don't think this happens, especially if Lou happens to be in the fold next year.

 

[Gallagbi]

What's the bad blood with Kovi and Lou? I was under the impression NJ ownership forced that deal on Lou and Kovi backing out to go to Russia helped them in the long run. Imagine that contracts on the books now.

 

[2 Slick]

We already have Marleau in the veteran role who can put up points.

I honestly don't want to see a spot taken by someone who could be a cheaper and better option in the long run.

Besides, I feel that he's a sort of player I wouldn't want to see on the Leafs. The way he ditched his contract and ran away left a sour taste in my mouth.

So, hell no, I don't want to see him with the Leafs.

 

[ToneDog]

Nice JVR replacement on a one or two year deal max.

 

[wingman75]

Nyet

 

[Cor]

Leafs will have interest in most players, yes

 

[LeafalCrusader]

Could see us looking into a vet UFA on a 1 year deal like Kovy Thornton or Nash. Don't see us just giving Johnsson and Kapanen top 9 spots next year.

 

[HandshakeLineRespect]

JVR & Leo out. Johnsson & Kovy in. Grundstrom replaces Kovy year after next.

 

[Schenn]

Signing Kovalchuk would give us the option of tradng one of our young wingers such as Nylander, Marner, Brown, etc and adding that young, top end RD d-man we all want on this team . He would balance out the wings because outside of Marleau (next year) our RWs are considerably better. I don't know man, I think if we have the chance to add a LW of this magnitude we do it and fix the D by moving a piece on RW . It would be a deeper, more experienced Leaf team from LW to RW to D with Kovi and a trade or two.

Kovalchuk is to slow for this team. He won't fit in just like Plekanec has had trouble doing. He is going to be 35 by the time the season starts. I'm not willing to trade one of our young wingers just because old man Kovalchuk is stepping into the lineup. I'm quite confident management can acquire a dman without trading a guy like Nylander or Brown.

 

[Pinto]

On a 1 year deal it's a no brainer for me

 

[Pi]

Kovalchuk is to slow for this team. He won't fit in just like Plekanec has had trouble doing. He is going to be 35 by the time the season starts. I'm not willing to trade one of our young wingers just because old man Kovalchuk is stepping into the lineup. I'm quite confident management can acquire a dman without trading a guy like Nylander or Brown.

What? Speed is still one of his strengths. He was amazing in the Olympics.

I’d sign him as a JvR replacement. 2 years at 9M or one year at like 5M.

 

[htpwn]

If he's willing to take a 1-year deal, absolutely, without question.

He'd be a very solid replacement for JVR without the long-term commitment.

 

[67Cup]

I think the Leafs would try to gauge interest in just about anybody with NHL skill but kicking the tires and actually signing a player are a lot of steps apart. I think that they will take that first step, but I would be surprised if it goes much further.

 

[supermann_98]

1 year deal of course. The big 3 contracts don’t kick in until the season after anyways, plus the reason he’s coming back is for a chance at a cup.
It would give him a (good) chance to win a cup without the long term commitment to the NHL, so it lets him go back to Russia after achieving his one remaining goal

 

[Alexanderthe89]

Hell yes I take Kovalchuk on a one year deal.

 

[LeafFever]

Signing Kovalchuk would give us the option of tradng one of our young wingers such as Nylander, Marner, Brown, etc and adding that young, top end RD d-man we all want on this team . He would balance out the wings because outside of Marleau (next year) our RWs are considerably better. I don't know man, I think if we have the chance to add a LW of this magnitude we do it and fix the D by moving a piece on RW . It would be a deeper, more experienced Leaf team from LW to RW to D with Kovi and a trade or two.

Are people still saying this? No, no, no. Do not trade Marner or Nylander. We added a solid top 4 D for free in Dermott. Keep building.
What are we, Edmonton?

 

[LeafFever]

Could see us looking into a vet UFA on a 1 year deal like Kovy Thornton or Nash. Don't see us just giving Johnsson and Kapanen top 9 spots next year.

We should be. Both are too good for the 4th line.

 

[Coachcorner]

He won't be coming at all. Lou doesn't love that there. He stays out, real hard.