Ilya Kovalchuk update #624 … Chicago may now have to move Patrick Sharp

Mark Easson

14 years ago

Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ilya Kovalchuk and his agent met with Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi yesterday. Club executives didn’t say much, and there is no indication if they were any closer on a deal. Kovalchuk toured the practice facility and looked around the area to see if it would be comfortable for his family. The Kings still need Kovalchuk to come down from his 10 year, $100 million asking price. Kovalchuk met several Kings players, Dustin Brown, Jarret Stoll and Matt Green at the practice facility.

EJ Hradek via Twitter: The Chicago Blackhawks could move Reasoner and/or Kopecky to save some cap space. If Niemi is looking to sign for too much, there are other goalies on the market.

Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago believes Patrick Sharp may be available now, and he’ll be easier to move.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: So now that the Blackhawks will be matching the 4 year, $14 million offer sheet for Niklas Hjalmarsson, they may now have to shed some more salary. The Hawks have been trying to move Brian Campbell and his $7.14 million cap hit for months with no luck. Patrick Sharp and his $3.9 million cap hit is more likely. Teemu Selanne will meet with Ducks GM Bob Murray next week. If Alexander Frolov doesn’t sign with an NHL club this week, he may head to the KHL where there are interested teams. Alexei Ponikarovsky is getting some interest, but those teams need to clear cap space first.

David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The San Jose Sharks are still looking for a defenseman after the Chicago Blackhawks matched their offer sheet for Niklas Hjalmarsson. Signing his own free agents is also a priority for Wilson now, with Devin Setoguchi and Jason Demers at the top of the list.