On Ilya Kovalchuk …
Slava Malamud: SKA saying that Ilya Kovalchuk now wants to remain in the KHL because he wants to play in the Olympics … Or maybe the New Jersey Devils couldn’t find a team interested?
Slava Malamud: There is no comment from Kovalchuk. SKA chairman Medvedev: “We are talking contract, he wants to stay now.”
Aivis Kalnins: SKA has been talking to Kovalchuk since the middle of season and now he wants to extend his deal?
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 was asked who was the favorite to land Ilya Kovalchuk.
“Not as far as I know right now,” said Friedman. “Somebody told me that he thinks he’s going to get a big number, but I’m not 100 percent sure who the favorite is.
“I heard he wanted to go to the Rangers, but I don’t think the Rangers are going to do it.
“I wonder about Montreal. Just a guess. But I wonder if Montreal is going to do this.”
On the trade market …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 talking about how the trade talk could be heating up and he’s starting to hear some stuff.
“I think we’re all kind of wondering what Toronto is going to do. I think Toronto has got some space in the next two years. I think Toronto is going to look and say, ‘Okay, we’ve got two years before our cap is really crazy. What can we add to do that.’ I think they’re definitely involved in the Anaheim situation.
“I think Montreal is going to be a pretty interesting team to watch. Carey Price and the contract talks are going to continue this week.
“And you know, Colorado – I think one of the more interesting ones was Tyson Barrie. Colorado is looking for defensemen. I kind of thought they’d keep him and the word overseas was that, ‘No, they’re willing to move him as long as it’s a good hockey trade.’