How about Alexei Kovalev?

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

He woudlnt be my first choice, but I wouldnt be upset. The man can still play for certain.

I agree with this. His first demand would be that he would become the new Captain. He would be told "no". Then, he would have one of his "cold streaks", which also translates into "sulking".

What have you done that is so signifigant in your life?

[soonboomer 31]

Kovalev is almost a point per game guy player in the playoffs too... you're missing my point, Feds was great when he was here, but his best time is behind him - LIKE Kovalev

You can overlook the attitude (that they both have) when they're in their prime... it's not worth it at their ages... if Feds really cared about competing for another cup, he would have re-upped with Wash at a discount, rather than bolting for Russia for more $$

Your original statement was "an aging superstar who at one time had all the talent in the world, but no heart, work ethic or reliability".........I just assumed that the "at one time" you referred to was while he was a Wing. But now you say he was great when he was here, so, which is it? As for him leaving Washington to go to Russia for more $$, who can blame him for that? I'm sure you, and most other people, would turn down a higher paying job while getting to return "home" to work at a discount at your current job, right? No one has said that Feds is what he once was.......that was never part of the discussion..........but to question anybody for wanting more money or a change of scenery seems unfair. Athletes have a limited window for generating revenue........I say get all you can while you can.

[stevkrause 1,247]

Your original statement was "an aging superstar who at one time had all the talent in the world, but no heart, work ethic or reliability".........I just assumed that the "at one time" you referred to was while he was a Wing. But now you say he was great when he was here, so, which is it? As for him leaving Washington to go to Russia for more $$, who can blame him for that? I'm sure you, and most other people, would turn down a higher paying job while getting to return "home" to work at a discount at your current job, right? No one has said that Feds is what he once was.......that was never part of the discussion..........but to question anybody for wanting more money or a change of scenery seems unfair. Athletes have a limited window for generating revenue........I say get all you can while you can.

Give me a break, that's a horrible comparison... there's a huge difference between what you can make at a job as the other 99% of society and as an athlete, as the incentives and driving force behind both late in your career and you sound like a fool for comparing the two.

Feds always lacked heart and played when HE wanted to that was his m.o. from day one and anyone who followed the Wings throughout the years will agree... just his pure talent was able to shine through his lack of heart...

[The Noodle 39 14]

I know Kovalov gets bashed for being weak and diving and what not but he is one of my favorite players in the league! I love Kovalov! He is getting older but is a sick player still. But i would prefer he stay in Montreal cause they are my 2nd fav team.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Kovalev makes Lang look like Cleary.

[soonboomer 31]

Give me a break, that's a horrible comparison... there's a huge difference between what you can make at a job as the other 99% of society and as an athlete, as the incentives and driving force behind both late in your career and you sound like a fool for comparing the two.

Feds always lacked heart and played when HE wanted to that was his m.o. from day one and anyone who followed the Wings throughout the years will agree... just his pure talent was able to shine through his lack of heart...

Really?..........And the other 99% of society doesn't have a much longer timespan to earn maximum income either, right? If you knew anything about business you'd know that thousands of employees in white collar jobs have employment contracts, just as athletes do, and I've yet to meet one who would "take a discount" to work at their company if they could make more $$ (not a discount mind you, just the industry standard) at a similar position elsewhere in their industry. Perhaps you're one of those guys who think there should be a cap on what people should be able to earn? It's called capitalism, and like it or not, it applies to sports just as it does to the rest of society. I've followed the Wings since Danny Gare was their captain, so you lecturing me on their history makes you look the fool..........just as you questioning the heart of of of the greatest players ever to wear the Winged Wheel does.

[Opie 308]

I don't think he is questioning Feds heart, I think he is flat out stating Feds had heart sometimes and sometimes he didn't. It is pretty much a fact at this point in time.

[soonboomer 31]

I don't think he is questioning Feds heart, I think he is flat out stating Feds had heart sometimes and sometimes he didn't. It is pretty much a fact at this point in time.

What's the difference? If you look at Fed's stats, he never had what you would call a horrible playoff season. Even as was referenced earlier (the 1994 playoffs), he scored 8 pts in 7 games. I think a lot of the knock on Feds was that he was so smooth and effortless that when things went bad he appeared to be coasting. But, because heart is a subjective measurement, I guess we'll just agee to disagree.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

What have you done that is so signifigant in your life?

Nothing, as of right now; I'm just trying to be a good citizen. But I'm thinking of starting a telethon to help stamp out the misspelling of words in our lifetime.

[The Noodle 39 14]

Dont even know why people still praise fedorov the guy was a complete bust when he left us and i dont wanna say he was a product of our system but he was pathetic and became a shell of himself the second he left Detroit... Lack of heart desire what ever you wanna call it he will never be retired here and he's in the KHL now lol!

[titanium2 867]

We already have a 2nd/3rd line version of Kovalev in the making. His name is Ville Leino.

Ok maybe not but that's the comparison Leino has gotten from many.

[BlakKy 58]

We already have a 2nd/3rd line version of Kovalev in the making. His name is Ville Leino.

Ok maybe not but that's the comparison Leino has gotten from many.

Unfortunately I think the comparison stems from his prima donna attitude.

[stevkrause 1,247]

Dont even know why people still praise fedorov the guy was a complete bust when he left us and i dont wanna say he was a product of our system but he was pathetic and became a shell of himself the second he left Detroit... Lack of heart desire what ever you wanna call it he will never be retired here and he's in the KHL now lol!

QFT.

Really?..........And the other 99% of society doesn't have a much longer timespan to earn maximum income either, right? If you knew anything about business you'd know that thousands of employees in white collar jobs have employment contracts, just as athletes do, and I've yet to meet one who would "take a discount" to work at their company if they could make more $$ (not a discount mind you, just the industry standard) at a similar position elsewhere in their industry. Perhaps you're one of those guys who think there should be a cap on what people should be able to earn? It's called capitalism, and like it or not, it applies to sports just as it does to the rest of society. I've followed the Wings since Danny Gare was their captain, so you lecturing me on their history makes you look the fool..........just as you questioning the heart of of of the greatest players ever to wear the Winged Wheel does.

The very fact that you just said that completely discredits you and is a disgust as a Wings "fan"... I refuse to continue to educate someone who would say something so pathetic... to even put Fedorov in the same class, let alone call him the "greatest" over the best captain and leader in sports history in Yzerman, the entire production line, ESPECIALLY Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe and one of the best of all time and greatest Wing defensmen in Lidstrom is a flat out joke... I MAYBE would've given you a pass if you said one of, but he doesn't even deserve that honor...

[Guest Crymson]

Don't the Wings sort of have a history of being able to humble and motivate stars?

Wouldn't Kovalev pride himself in being a part of the Red Wings' Russian history?

Couldn't he play with Datsyuk and then, you know, just reap the benefits of playing with the best hockey player?

I doubt Kovalev cares one ounce about a team's "Russian history." And if playing with Datsyuk will make his game, then why not get somebody younger and more motivated to do it instead?

[titanium2 867]

Unfortunately I think the comparison stems from his prima donna attitude.

Leino's? I know Leino's a diver but a primadonna?

It was more because of his stickhandling ability.

[BlakKy 58]

I doubt Kovalev cares one ounce about a team's "Russian history." And if playing with Datsyuk will make his game, then why not get somebody younger and more motivated to do it instead?

I wouldn't doubt he is proud of his heritage and no NHL team is more famous for its Russian history than the Wings.

And as for getting someone younger.. thats cool but Kovalev has proven abilities.

[BlakKy 58]

Leino's? I know Leino's a diver but a primadonna?

It was more because of his stickhandling ability.

I love his stick handling... but didn't he basically impose his will on the wings in saying "I won't play another season in the minors." ?

That sounds a little first lady-ish to me.

[skyphoenix 153]

I love his stick handling... but didn't he basically impose his will on the wings in saying "I won't play another season in the minors." ?

That sounds a little first lady-ish to me.

I think his attitude is justified. Hes a great player who belongs in the NHL either way and he knows that. He deserves to play with us next season and he shouldnt have to sit in the AHL all season. I dont think thats Prima Donna, I just think thats him asking for what he deserves.

[BlakKy 58]

I think his attitude is justified. Hes a great player who belongs in the NHL either way and he knows that. He deserves to play with us next season and he shouldnt have to sit in the AHL all season. I dont think thats Prima Donna, I just think thats him asking for what he deserves.

He shouldn't have to be there all season and I suppose being what, 30 years old he has paid his dues, but if I was administration I wouldn't appreciate the attitude.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

we're not going to, so that right there ends the thread.

But,.....Kovalev isn't nearly the waste of space you all think he is. When he wants to be he's one of the best players in the world. His talent has not dropped off, it's his desire, the team that puts him in a capacity as something other than "super star" will get max from him. Look what happened to Lang last year,...

Oh everyone who saw his Warrior Hockey video is aware of his retarded level of talent. But he makes Feds seem overmotivated. Similar to Sergei, Kovalev's already proven he's insanely talented and a great hockey player when he wants to be. That's the one thing that killed me about Feds.

But do we need another unmotivated guy to drive us crazy? Lang wasn't the star but he still drove us bats*** insane with his inconsistent play.

[Dominator2005 558]

LAZY - LAZY - LAZY

[soonboomer 31]

QFT.

The very fact that you just said that completely discredits you and is a disgust as a Wings "fan"... I refuse to continue to educate someone who would say something so pathetic... to even put Fedorov in the same class, let alone call him the "greatest" over the best captain and leader in sports history in Yzerman, the entire production line, ESPECIALLY Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe and one of the best of all time and greatest Wing defensmen in Lidstrom is a flat out joke... I MAYBE would've given you a pass if you said one of, but he doesn't even deserve that honor...

Great time for a typo, but anybody other than the kid who rides the short bus could tell that I meant ONE OF THE BEST.........and if you dont think that Feds, arguably the finest Russian player to ever grace the NHL (based on career numbers to this point), is one of the greatest Wings ever, then you're the one in sad need of education. Really, is taking a typo and turning a statement out of context the best you can do?

[stevkrause 1,247]

You, and me alike.

I've always looked upon Kovalev as a "Fedorov Jr"; skilled yet at times not having the best attitude.

at least some people in this thread don't have Fedorov colored glasses on and can call him as he was...

[stevkrause 1,247]

Looking back Holland/Ilitch were pretty patient with Feds when ya cinsider things were getting rocky there in the end...Too bad Feds didn't have a little bit of Vladdy's personality/attitude - might have signed on with the Wings instead of leaving.

and he would've probably had at LEAST 1 more cup and a more storied legacy...

[eva unit zero 271]

I love how people act as if the Wings organization was perfect and did nothing at all that might have made Fedorov look elsewhere.

But, I'll impart the story, AGAIN.

Fedorov was going through some personal problems during the season when the Wings wanted to negotiate, and asked for some more time. The Wings' management was aggravated by this.

Later, the Wings offered a $50m, 5 year deal which they then pulled from the table and replaced with a $40m, 4 year deal. Fedorov asked for the fifth year back and was told no. He said term was more important than salary and that he was willing to add the year without adding value (making it a $40m, 5 year deal). The Wings rejected that and said take it or leave it regarding the 4 year deal. Fedorov instead took a 5 year, $40m deal from Anaheim.

That greedy bastard. Taking less money than he was offered by the Wings, just because the Wings wouldn't give him the five years they initially offered him.