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Devil Of a Deal: The NHL Approves Ilya Kovalchuk’s 15-Year Contract
September 3rd, 2010
According to TSN, ESPN and pretty much every other media outlet out there; the NHL will approve the Ilya Kovalchuk contract which means for the first time this off-season, Kovalchuk is officially a member of an NHL team.
Kovalchuk is an elite talent in the NHL and their is no doubt about it. Kovalchuk showed that even more than usual when he became a member of the New Jersey Devils as he tallied 27 points in 27 games. Surprisingly, that isn’t very good for him but if you look at the circumstances he was under it is outstanding. When Kovalchuk came over to New Jersey from Atlanta he had to deal with a new team, new players and a completely different philosophy than in Atlanta and he played very well.
Kovalchuk’s contract with the Devils is a 15-year deal with an annual cap hit of 6.66 million dollars per season.
On a side note the Devils are now approximately three and a half million dollars of the cap which means they will have to move a player or two. The Devils will now look to clear some cap via trade. Bryce Salvador, Colin White, Dainius Zubrus and Brian Rolston are the most likely trade candidates.
Whether any of them are moved remains to be seen but I am sure about two things:
1. Ilya Kovalchuk is a Devil
2. Somebody will be traded
If you have any questions or comments about anything (news, rumors, etc…), feel free to email me at NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com anytime, thanks.
Follow me on twitter for the latest news and rumors @ToddNHL
NHL Buzz: Kovalchuk Decision Day 2.0
September 3rd, 2010
Today the NHL will likely make a decision on the Ilya Kovalchuk contract. If the NHL extends the contract review once again, Kovalchuk will likely bolt to the KHL as the season starts in less than a week.
My take: I think the NHL will make the decision today regardless what it is. If the NHL does not act fast they could lose him to the KHL. No matter what way you look at it, Kovalchuk doesn’t have a job right now.
Bill Guerin is in talks with several teams. It is believed the LA Kings are among them.
My take: Bill Guerin would be a great fit in LA as he would provide grit and offense as well as a ton of leadership and experience.
Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo! sports is reporting that Slava Kozlov is expected to sign in the KHL.
My take: I have always liked Kozlov but everyone knew he wanted a good chunk of money and would not get that in the NHL.
Jack Edwards of NESN.com is reporting the Bruins are not shopping Marc Savard.
My take: In my honest opinion I don’t think there would really be any interest in Savard if he was available as his age, salary and history of injuries would scare teams off.
Former Oiler Patrick O’Sullivan is generating some interest but he would likely have to take 750,000 or less to fetch himself a contract. Various media outlets are reporting that the Penguins could be a fit.
My take: I think the Penguins would be a good fit as long as he signs at a low price. He has all the talent in the world but can never seem to get it together. Playing with Malkin or Crosby would definitely help.
If you have any questions or comments about anything (news, rumors, etc…), feel free to email me at NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com anytime, thanks.
Follow me on twitter for the latest news and rumors @ToddNHL
Adding Another Finn: Sharks Close To Signing Antti Niemi
September 2nd, 2010
According to multiple media outlets the San Jose Sharks are extremely close to signing UFA goalie Antti Niemi.
Niemi became a UFA just a couple of weeks ago after the Chicago Blackhawks walked away from his arbitration award due to their lack of cap space.
Niemi proved he was a legitimate NHL starter last season as he had 7 shutouts and won 26 games in just 39 starts during the regular season.
In the playoffs you could say Niemi was even better as he posted a record of 16-6 and made a fair share of big time saves in clutch situations.
In San Jose Niemi will likely get the majority of the starts but will not start as many games as a Ryan Miller or Henrik Lundqvist as the Sharks are quite content with Antero Niittymaki.
The deal between Niemi and the Sharks is expected to be a one-year deal worth approximately two million dollars.
If you have any questions or comments about anything (news, rumors, etc…), feel free to email me at NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com anytime, thanks.
Follow me on twitter for the latest news and rumors @ToddNHL
NHL Buzz: Kovalchuk Decision Day
September 1st, 2010
Today is the final day for the NHL to review Ilya Kovalchuk’s new contract. The NHL has until 5 PM ET to make their decision on Kovalchuk. All signs seem to be towards the NHL approving the contract; then again, we all thought Kovalchuk and the Devils would win the arbitration hearing.
My take: I personally think this contract will be approved. The main reason is that in the last two years of Ilya Kovalchuk’s contract he earns three and four million respectively. That is a significant upgrade from the 500,000 to 600,000 he would have earned in his last contract.
Joel Quenneville stated yesterday that he expects Marty Turco to start between 55-60 games this season. For all you fantasy owners out there who are desperate for a good backup goalie, Corey Crawford is your guy.
My take: That is exactly how many starts I expected from Marty Turco, though he can handle the puck much better than Crawford, I wouldn’t be surprised if Crawford took over.
Talks between Niclas Bergfors and the Atlanta Thrashers have completely stalled. Though an offer sheet is unlikely, I wouldn’t be shocked if a team jumped in and signed him to one.
My take: I think the Thrashers and Bergfors will eventually reach an agreement, but like I said above I wouldn’t be shocked if a team jumped in with an offer sheet.
The Boston Bruins want to bring back Steve Begin; however, they don’t have any cap space to bring him back so they would have to clear some cap.
My take: He would be a good piece to bring back but it is not worth losing one of their better players to do so.
Antti Niemi is in talks with several teams, some reports suggest he could make his decision as early as today.
My take: Niemi would prefer to sign with a contender short-term than an average team long-term. Personally I don’t blame him because if he plays well this year he could land a contract extension or a nice contract from another team in free agency.
Bill Guerin wants to return to the NHL but only to a contender.
My take: I think he will be in the NHL this season as several contenders could use him and the fact that he still wants to play.
This concludes today’s edition of NHL Buzz, enjoy.
If you have any questions or comments about anything (news, rumors, etc…), feel free to email me at NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com anytime, thanks.
Follow me on twitter for the latest news and rumors @ToddNHL
NHL Buzz: Answering Your Questions
August 31st, 2010
For today’s edition of NHL Buzz, I will be answering all your questions as well as add some regular rumors that you did not ask about.
Rumors
Various media outlets are reporting that they expect the NHL’s decision on the Ilya Kovalchuk contract today.
The Ducks continue their search for a defenseman, they will explore free agency before they look at a trade.
It appears Bill Guerin is receiving a fair amount of interest. Rumor has it the Canadiens, Avalanche and Kings have expressed interest.
ESPN is reporting that Marc Savard is still being shopped by the Bruins.
Q & A
Q: With Kennedy signed to a one-way contract, is it safe to say a bigger move will be made? (Trade)
A: Possibly, the Rangers are looking to package a couple of forwards for an upgrade up front. If they can’t improve up front they will likely just move one of the forwards for a pick/prospect to clear a roster spot.
Q: What is your take on the rumors that the leafs adding MacArthur and Lashoff is a sign of more moves to come?
A: The MacArthur signing is strictly to upgrade their forwards. The Lashoff trade is likely to add depth to their defense so if and when they move a defenseman, they will have someone ready to step up.
Q: Any news on the AVS? How the Stewart and Mueller contracts are going? Are they looking at ANYONE else to reach cap floor?
A: The contract talks with Stewart and Mueller are making progress. The Avalanche will likely just re-sign their players and fill all vacant roster spots within the system; however, they could pursue a veteran forward like Bill Guerin.
Q: Could the AVS make a bid on Penner considering their lack of a left wing? Is their interest in Cogliano dead?
A: I don’t think they will go after Penner as they don’t want to move their young assets and they would have to do so to get Penner. They could pursue Cogliano as they really like his upside.
Q: Any trade happening with the Habs?
A: Not likely, barring a Carey Price trade (if they know for a fact they can’t re-sign him) the Canadiens will stand pat.
Q: Is Savard staying in Boston or packing his bags?
A: That is a tough question, the Bruins are trying to move him but as of now, not many teams are interested.
Q: Are the maple leafs done? If not what do you see them doing?
A: They are still looking for a top-six forward, aside from that they appear to be done.
Q: Do you see Dallas shopping Richards to lower payroll commitments?
A: No, they are right around where they want to be salary wise. In the meantime they are shopping Mike Ribeiro.
Q: What do you think Burke will do with the 9 d-men he has? At least One of them has to go right? Finger to the minors is what I hear.
A: Jeff Finger will go to the minors for sure. Aside from that they will stand pat unless a trade comes up.
Q: What is the latest news you have on Price? Is it true the rumors coming from Eklund that he could be traded?
A: Price and the Canadiens are still in talks. If the Canadiens know for a fact they can’t re-sign Price, they could move him and sign Niemi (if he is still available).
Q: What is going on in goal with the Oilers?
A: They will likely just use their young goaltenders until Khabibulin returns; however, Niemi to the Oilers is not out of the question.
Q: I know this has been discussed over and over but if the devils feel they need another PMD (puck-moving defenseman) they can rely upon to provide offensive production from the blue line, do you think they’ll look to the trade market or see what the kids can do?
A: They will likely just stick with what they have.
Q: Why is the sky blue?
A: Google it…..
This concludes today’s edition of NHL Buzz, enjoy.
If you have any questions or comments about anything (news, rumors, etc…), feel free to email me at NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com anytime, thanks.
Follow me on twitter for the latest news and rumors @ToddNHL
NHL Buzz: Is Dustin Penner Being Shopped?
August 29th, 2010
Matthew Barry of Hockeybuzz.com is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers are shopping Dustin Penner. He also notes that the LA Kings are interested.
My take: I personally think Penner would be a great fit in LA as he is the big bodied top-six forward they are looking for.
Pure speculation here but if Penner is available, you would have to believe that the Maple Leafs would express interest in some way, shape or form.
My take: I am sure all Leafs fans would love to have “pants” playing for them; however, it is unknown if Brian Burke and the Maple Leafs brass are indeed interested.
Several teams have expressed interest in Bill Guerin. It is believed that the Kings, Sharks and Canadiens are among them.
My take: Billy Guerin would be a great fit in all three teams. It is unknown if he will land on any of them but all three teams could definitely use his services.
It is day three of the Ilya Kovalchuk watch. Many people believe the NHL won’t make their decision until Monday or Tuesday; however, it is possible that it could be today.
If and when the NHL approves Ilya Kovalchuk’s contract the Devils will likely begin their search to find some teams to take on salary. It is believed that the Devils would like to move Bryce Salvador; however, I can’t confirm or deny this report.
My take: I think Salvador will be the one moved as he has a movable salary and the fact that the Devils think they have too many defenseman. Pure speculation here but the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks would likely express interest.
The Edmonton Oilers continue shopping Sheldon Souray but so far no luck.
My take: I am not surprised that teams are scared off by Sheldon Souray, an older player with a high salary and a history of injuries don’t go to well together.
This concludes today’s edition of NHL Buzz, enjoy.
If you have any questions or comments about anything (news, rumors, etc…), feel free to email me at ToddCordellNHL@Gmail.com anytime, thanks.
Follow me on twitter for the latest news and rumors @ToddNHL
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