*-> Branko Radivojovic told the Hockey News that while he is having a career year in the KHL he most likely won't ever return to the NHL again. He came to North America and played junior for the Belleville Bulls and still calls Belleville his home. He cites his age (31) and his 2 years remaining on his contract as the main reasons for not likely returning to the NHL.
*-> Reports out of Atlanta claim that Ilya Kovalchuk plans to return back to Atlanta July 1st. The Thrashers would love to retain Kovalchuk and many have been saying since the deal it was previously planned to help restock the stuggling team. This being said I've also heard whispers of Don Waddell claiming he wouldn't doubt it if Kovalchuk took a smaller deal to remain in New Jersey with the Devils. Personally it could could go ether way. On one hand Ilya loves Atlanta and still has a home there but on the other we all know Kovalchuk thrives on being the "guy" and he certainly is the "guy" in New Jersey but without the pressure. If he did return to the ATL he could make Waddell look like a genius.
*-> The Toronto Maple Leafs will be parting ways with disgruntled defenseman Garnett Exelby this summer as he's an unrestricted free agent this summer. Talks have not begun and it looks like they will not begin as Exelby is frustrated with the Leafs and wants out. He is agitated about not being used and asked for a trade mid season but the Leafs were unable to find a suitor.
More in a bit
2 comments:
I'm gonna have to disagree Scoopz, no way is Kovalchuk signing anywhere for a discount come July 1st. First off, he is not the "go to guy" in Jersey. Parise is the face of that franchise now and for the next 10 years. Much more complete player in my opinion, and if the devils are gonna tie up money long term in an elite forward, Zach Parise is the obvious choice. The Devils should go after a big name defenceman, either through the free agency market or at the draft this summer. Package up some prospects and move up to grab gudbrandson or fowler in the top 5.
As for Kovalchuk, he hasn't exactly been lighting it up at his usual pace since the trade, has he? Kovalchuk is a dominant talent but he needs a team that lets him do his thing. Atlanta built their system around putting Comrade Ilya out there 25 minutes a game, and for powerplays it wasn't unusual to see him out there on a 3-4 minute shift. In Jersey they had an existing system that was much more balanced due to their depth. Kovalchuk was a piece of the puzzle and I think it's driving him nuts. He might go back to Atlanta, or another large market rebuilding team. But mark my words, if Ilya Kovalchuk doesn't win a cup with Jersey this year he never will, his system will never allow it.
CA
I disagree with Don Waddell as well as Kovalchuk will go for the cash no matter what. There is a slight chance he'll take slightly less for a longer deal with a team he likes. I think his heart is still in Atlanta and would go back on his terms. CA your points are all valid points and I agree with most. Parise is Jerseys future but obviously he's not enough if NJ sacrificed a defenseman and a prospect they were high on for Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk is the guy in New Jersey because they pretty much gave Kovalchuk the reigns offensively and let him play outside the system. Something not many can or have done with Lou running the show. Elias and Parise both bought into the system. Kovalchuk isn't a system guy at all and they knew that going in. They just want him to play his game nothing else. There's virtually no pressure on the guy which he loves. As you said though unless he makes a bigger impact or they win a cup he's out of New Jersey. He hasn't exactly lit it up but its hard when the rest of your team likes to win games by 1 goal leads. I can also see him going to a small market bottom feeder but he has shown glimpses he wants to win by telling Atlanta management he wanted to see what changes for the good they'd make to the club before he made a deal. My guess is he'll take big money elsewhere possibly Atlanta or another lower team on the cusp of making a run I.e New York Islanders.
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