Kovalchuk traded to New Jersey

[Paul MacLean's Mustache 44]

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=515802

Reportedly, the Hawks are in the mix for Kovalchuck's services, but given their publicized cap issues, can they afford to bring him on?

He reportedly turned down the biggest contract in Thrasher's history.

[e_prime 1,936]

it sucks... but it makes perfect sense... they unload Versteeg, Barker and some other assets and ATL gets a TON of power to re-tool and Kovalchuk gets a chance for a cup as a rental this year...

Clears up a ton of Chi cap issues and makes them instant cup favorites for this year...

It's scary indeed. I'm still surprised that people don't understand that Chicago HAS to lose some of their talented depth pool in the off-season.

[stevkrause 1,247]

It's scary indeed. I'm still surprised that people don't understand that Chicago HAS to lose some of their talented depth pool in the off-season.

exactly, which is why it makes for the perfect storm and probably makes them the favorites to land him... but look at the bright side, this also means he'll be an UFA in the off season

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

It's scary indeed. I'm still surprised that people don't understand that Chicago HAS to lose some of their talented depth pool in the off-season.

The Hawk fans still think that their whole team will be intact next season.

[cupforwings 138]

I really really hope that doesn't happen... Chicago would be ridiculous... they would lose depth, but that would get canceled out with Kovalchucks scoring ability... I mean, think about it, Kovy and Hossa on the 2nd line!!! holly crap

[Paul MacLean's Mustache 44]

It's scary indeed. I'm still surprised that people don't understand that Chicago HAS to lose some of their talented depth pool in the off-season.

Madden's a one-year deal, but Kane, Keith, and Toews area all signed. I think still think parting with Barker and Versteeg (about a $3 million cap hit for both) along with others may help land Kovalchuck, but I think he could get more money from Los Angeles or Philadelphia if he wanted a long term deal after this season. Both are contenders as well.

Edited February 3, 2010 by Paul MacLean's Mustache

[e_prime 1,936]

The Hawk fans still think that their whole team will be intact next season.

You mean the folks that have started watching again since the Hawks have come out of the dark-ages.

Do they even know about the salary cap?

[Travis 576]

I heard mumblings about this, too. I've also seen the Devils tossed around as possible candidates.

If the Hawks land Kovy it will take a monumental effort on their part not to win the Cup.

I'm still surprised that people don't understand that Chicago HAS to lose some of their talented depth pool in the off-season.

I don't understand it, either. One look at their roster says that. While landing Kovalchuk would be huge for them, it would, however, further the case that they're putting it all on this year.

[Opie 308]

I honestly don't think it will take much cash to sign this guy in the offseason, I think he signs with a contender for a 1-3 year deal relatively cheap (given his skill set). This man has been paid very well for quite a few years, has seen all star line mates exodus multiple times.

I just don't see how Kovie stays in ATL or goes to a non contender, unless he just wants the dough, then I see him in the KHL.

If you are not going to be on a winner and therefore playing for your money by Feb most years, why not go to the KHL where the money is tax free and it is your home country.

Or

If you are going to finally get a chance to play for a Det, SJ, Dal, Bos, Chi, ANA, etc where you at least know that the team is trying for a cup, not for the cap floor.

Simple question, what is the best record Kovie's team has ever had?

06-07 43-28-11 lost (swept) in EQF (aka the first round).

The only year that they have made the playoffs, teammates like Savard, Hossa, and Heatley have all left for greener (not necessarily money wise) pastures, if I am this guy, I want to win, I want a cup and if not at least the chance to win one like Hossa and Heatley have had shots at!

[Guest ZetterbergFourty]

Chicacko has NO chance at a cup for the next 12 seasons.

[e_prime 1,936]

Rental situation withstanding: I'm not sure that it's not going to take a max contract to get Kovy into your club, however more importantly Opie,

you make some valid points that lead to the question:

"What is Kovy about?"

Is he in it for the money, or does he want to win a cup?

Edit: Clarity

Edited February 3, 2010 by e_prime

[Frozen-Man 144]

it sucks... but it makes perfect sense... they unload Versteeg, Barker and some other assets and ATL gets a TON of power to re-tool and Kovalchuk gets a chance for a cup as a rental this year...

Clears up a ton of Chi cap issues and makes them instant cup favorites for this year...

Agreed, it makes perfect sense, if they are going to lose those players next year anyway due to cap issues the best option is to trade them for a big gun who will be a free agent next year. They get the cap relief that they have to have by letting Kovy walk and get a great chance to get the Cup this year.

I heard mumblings about this, too. I've also seen the Devils tossed around as possible candidates.

If the Hawks land Kovy it will take a monumental effort on their part not to win the Cup.

Yeah but remember the same thing was said about the Wings when they landed Hossa last year, anything can happen and I'm still not convinced Huet can get the job done when it matters.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

You mean the folks that have started watching again since the Hawks have come out of the dark-ages.

Do they even know about the salary cap?

Apparently not. I was reading the Chicago boards during a December Hawks/Wings game, and many of the posters had the attitude of "What kind of idiot is that, saying the Hawks are going to have to lose players this offseason??" after Ken Daniels brought up the issue.

[Travis 576]

Yeah but remember the same thing was said about the Wings when they landed Hossa last year, anything can happen and I'm still not convinced Huet can get the job done when it matters.

I was thinking that, even as I typed it out. The difference being that the tandem of Hossa and Kovalchuk will, obviously, become the greatest 1-2 punch in the history of hockey, racking up 147 points during the Hawks' 16-0 playoff run.

Brian Campbell will be a -41.

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

It's scary indeed. I'm still surprised that people don't understand that Chicago HAS to lose some of their talented depth pool in the off-season.

Troy Brouwer would look pretty badass in a wings jersey next year...just my thoughts on the above.

[e_prime 1,936]

Brian Campbell will be a -41.

Quoted for truth.

Defense wins championships, no?

[ben_usmc 253]

it is a perfect storm for failure though. I mean it seems like anytime a team just stacks up they end up losing (maybe I'm just being hopeful)

[The Secret 304]

I hope they trade their depth, get Kovalchuk and get bounced (preferably by us) in the first round. If that is our destiny this year it would make me very very happy!

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

it is a perfect storm for failure though. I mean it seems like anytime a team just stacks up they end up losing (maybe I'm just being hopeful)

I guess we were able to avoid that in 2002.

[ben_usmc 253]

I guess we were able to avoid that in 2002.

I was thinking that difference is salary cap though, or if you will how about all the Rangers teams that would stack up, a few of the Avs teams, hell even us last year (though we were very close). Or in other sports N.Y. for many years, Lakers when pistons won, Patriots when they got Moss. Like I said mostly hopeful wishing

[Wing Across The Pond 196]

This all just screams of an organisation doing ANYTHING to win a cup. And even if they do get him and win it all, it'll all collapse around them in the offseason. Its a case of, one cup now, none for the next decade.

[e_prime 1,936]

I hope they trade their depth, get Kovalchuk and get bounced (preferably by us) in the first round. If that is our destiny this year it would make me very very happy!

I would rather face the Hawks or Sharks in the first round. I think we can beat either of those teams.

(and if we can't, I'd rather be bounced by them than say... the Coyotes or Vancouver.)

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

That being said, if Chicago makes a serious attempt for Kovalchuk, than this is guarunteed to be their only shot at a Cup.

[russianswede919293 95]

I think they will trade Sharp with a couple others for Kovalchuk. THey need to dump those salaries over the offseason anyway, why not further the cup run.

Highly doubt Kovie would sign there long term though.

[mmamolo 287]

exactly, which is why it makes for the perfect storm and probably makes them the favorites to land him... but look at the bright side, this also means he'll be an UFA in the off season

The only way this works, i nmy mind, is if the Hawks unload some players who are signed to next season for Kovalchuk only to allow him to walk as a UFA this offseason. That way they have the space to put together a full team next year. So in this sense it does make a lot of sense.