On Ilya Kovalchuk …
Pierre LeBrun: There had been some teams that were questioning whether it was within the rules for Devils to do a Ilya Kovalchuk sign-and-trade. League source confirms that it is allowed.
Mike Morreale: Devils GM Ray Shero: “Kovy is looking to come back to the NHL. We will keep all our options open as we move along.”
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: St. James wonders if the Detroit Red Wings should be interested in Ilya Kovalchuk. The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers could be two teams that would interested. What the Devils would want to get for Kovalchuk in a sign-and-trade likely wouldn’t make sense for Red Wings.
The Red Wings may have a better shot a signing Thomas Vanek. He fit in well last season and would be cheaper option.
Tom Gulitti: No idea what the Devils could get for a Kovalchuk in a sign-and-trade. Hard to judge his value because he’s been out of the NHL for four years and because of his age. The Devils also don’t have a lot of leverage.
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Pierre LeBrun was on TSN 1050 talking about Ilya Kovalchuk and his eventual return to the NHL. Kovalchuk’s agent has permission from the Devils to speak with teams about a deal. LeBrun on if Kovalchuk would sign and remain with the Devils.
“I don’t think that’s likely,” said LeBrun. “I think the likelihood here is him going to a team that’s closer to winning, which is not an insult to the Devils. I mean listen, Ray Shero knows where his rebuild is right now and I think he’s made some pretty significant steps so far with it. But Kovalchuk, at 34, what makes the most sense for everyone?
“Now, if Kovalchuk goes out there with his agent and doesn’t get the deal that he wanted or is surprised by the interest or lack thereof – I doubt that’s going to be the case, but let’s just say that is the case – maybe the Devils are a fallback.”
If Kovalchuk stayed in the KHL for one more year, he could come back to the NHL as a UFA, but he may not get a multi-year deal then as he’d be an over 35 player.
LeBrun isn’t sure if the Montreal Canadiens would be interested, but they do need to improve their offense.
Agent Jay Grossman will likely look at teams that are viewed as Cup contenders and big markets. Grossman will likely call the New York Rangers and San Jose Sharks.
LeBrun thinks the it will take a multi-year contract at between $5 and $6.5 million per year.
LeBrun adds he’d be surprised if the Toronto Maple Leafs were involved with Kovalchuk.
The Florida Panthers could be a team that might be interested in Kovalchuk. LeBrun doesn’t think the LA Kings would be interested despite their need for scoring.
“Here’s the last thing I’ll say: what the Devils believe is their best chance of compensation – in terms of a match with another team – may not necessarily at the end of the day overlap with what Jay Grossman and Ilya Kovalchuk find is the best destination.
“So this’ll be interesting, trying to marry those two moons in terms of what the Devils want and what Jay Grossman and Ilya Kovalchuk want.”