Kovalchuk and Kings close … Market to open up soon? Malkin to the wing with Crosby

Mark Easson

14 years ago

Nick Kyperos via Twitter: 8:40 AM Post – “A big swing in the Ilya/Kings talks. Major stumbling blocks have been rectified. A source now described it to me as “close but not done”

Mike Russo via Twitter: Lockout protection has been a ‘sticky part’ in the Ilya Kovalchuk – Los Angeles Kings talks.

Tom Gulitti via Twitter: (last night). Devil’s GM Lou Lamoriello said they will be patient while Kovalchuk makes up his mind. “I think we have to understand what he’s going through.” Waiting for Kovalchuk won’t interrupt any other potential transactions. If there is a deal to make them better, they’ll do it.

Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli thinks that once Kovalchuk signs, the markets will open up again. He’s been shopping Marc Savard and Tim Thomas for awhile, but things have come to a halt. “I think once a player of that caliber moves, there’s probably a couple of other players just under him who might move in a couple of deals” Chiarelli said. The Bruins signed Gregory Campbell and Adam McQuaid to 2 year deals, Jeff LoVecchio and Andrew Bodnarchuk received 1 year deals.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Modano told ESPN there is no truth to the rumor linking him to the Blackhawks. Former Predator, Denis Grebeshkov has been getting some interest, but nothing concrete. Some of the interest is coming from the KHL, but he’d prefer to stay in the NHL. LeBrun thinks that if the Sharks think Kaberle’s price is too high, Grebeshkov could be an option.

Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There is nothing going between the Anaheim Ducks, James Wisniewski and Bobby Ryan, but they’ve been talking with Teemu Selanne.

Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguin management has concluded it might be time to move Malkin to the wing on Crosby’s line, bumping Staal to the 2nd line center. If the move doesn’t work, they can easily go back to having all 3 of them at the center position.

Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Derek Meech was re-signed by the Red Wings for $500,000 yesterday, but he may not get much playing time as a 7th or 8th defenseman, and may find himself with a different club by the start of the season. If he makes it to camp, he’ll be battling Jakub Lindl, Brandon Smith and Doug Janik for the 6th spot. GM Ken Holland was scheduled to talk to Mike Modano late yesterday afternoon, a decision wasn’t expected to be made. They’ve also had talks with Kirk Maltby regarding a 1-way and 2-way contracts.

Ralph Strangis of the Dallas Morning News: If the Stars make any acquisitions, it would have to be at least dollar-for-dollar. Unless they would consider moving Benn or Neal, there isn’t much interest in any of their players. Once the new ownership is in place, they may be able to add some players/contracts.