Being a healthy scratch is “horrible” for Kovalchuk
Curtis Zupke of the LA Times: Los Angeles Kings coach Willie Desjardins has made forward Ilya Kovalchuk a healthy scratch of late. Kovalchuk said that “it’s horrible” and adds:
“But they’re not playing young guys,” Kovalchuk said. “They’re playing seven D.”
Kovalchuk had started the season playing with Anze Kopitar but his ice-time decreased as he moved down their depth chart. When Desjardins took over in November, Kovalchuk didn’t get much ice time.
“After Willie came here, I don’t have a chance,” Kovalchuk said. “I play five, six minutes a game. A few games I play with Kopi. We did well. We score all five games, but then he decided to change and I never play again much. That’s the way he sees the situation. He’s the head coach and he’s responsible for results.”
Kovalchuk has two years left at a $6.25 million cap hit. He adds that he hasn’t thought about playing for another team and that his family has settled nicely into the area.
Tkachuk could be the highest paid Flame
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1200 and was asked about Calgary Flames Matthew Tkachuk and if he’d become their highest-paid player when he signs his next contract. Things have changed since Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan signed their deals.
“What’s that number going to be. Well, it has to be above what Monahan and Gaudreau are making. I think it could be 8.5-to-9. And that’s just all about timing and developing at the right time as well.
“I don’t think the Calgary Flames are going to have much choice but to pay him.”