Tuesday's news: Kovalchuk deal resonates around the NHL

by Dirk Hoag on Jul 20, 2010 8:12 AM EDT in Nashville Predators News Comment 4 comments

It seems like Ilya Kovalchuk's contract signing yesterday has kick-started the hockey world from its mid-summer slumber, with discussion heading in almost every conceivable direction regarding the consequences of this massive, gimmick-laden contract.

What does it mean for New Jersey and their cap situation? What about the Kings, who missed out and have to look elsewhere for scoring help? Will the negotiations between the players and owners for the next CBA (in two years) try to close the loophole which allows the Devils to take just a $6M cap hit against a player they'll pay $11.5M annually in coming seasons?

There's all this and a whole lot more after the jump...

Radio Alert: I'm happy to announce that I'll join Willy Daunic on 104.5 "The Zone" this evening from 6:00-7:00 talking about the state of the Preds' roster as it currently stands and how things look heading into training camp. Be sure to listen in!

Predators News

How the Preds could win the Stanley Cup in 2012 - geek thoughts
Paul offers up an idea as to how David Poile could assemble and All-Star team next summer and make a run at the Stanley Cup...

What The Puck: My Good Intentions Are Still Failing Me
A creative idea from Rachel, taking a look at hockey movies this summer in order to bridge the gap until training camp. Who's up for some MVP?

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The 3rd goal in Sam's series highlights an effort where Patric Hornqvist ended up taking a pretty big hit as he scored a critical goal.

And as a bonus, here's a video of Preds prospects Austin Watson and Ryan Ellis (former roommates with the Windsor Spitfires) playing something akin to the Newlywed Game:

Around the NHL

Down Goes Brown: Leaked: Ilya Kovalchuk's contract
The Mighty DGB has the definitive take on this whole nonsense!

Kovalchuk, Christmas, And Kings Fans - View From My Seats
Matt Reitz explores the feelings of Kings fans who were looking forward to signing the big sniper.

Lombardi quotes, part I " LA Kings Insider
Rich Hammonds talks with the Kings GM about how far he went to try and sign Ilya Kovalchuk.

Which Contracts Will Lou Dump Now? Look at New Jersey Devils Cap for 2011-12 for Ideas - In Lou We Trust
See, if only the Devils had added another 10 years at $525K to bring Kovalchuk's cap hit down even further, they'd be able to keep their other star players!

Just for grins, should the Stars try to get Jamie Langenbrunner? - The Dallas Morning News
Meanwhile, Mike Heika starts looking at the Devils' cap situation and wonders if there might be an opportunity to bring back a former Star.

Tampa Bay Lightning acquires Simon Gagne from Philly for Matt Walker, draft pick | Lightning Strikes
Right after the Kovalchuk deal was announced, the Lightning acquired the injury-riddled but prolific goal-scorer from Philadephia. In exchange they send an overpriced 3rd-pair defenseman to the Flyers.

Flyers moves leave me scratching my head to the point of baldness - Behind The Net
The title says it all here!

A Divisional Look: Central GMs | Hockey Quarterly
Mark reviews the front office leadership within the Central Division.

DBD List-O-Matic: Top 5 Stars Of All time - Defending Big D
What? No Craig Ludwig?

Grading the Islanders: Frans Nielsen, who walks on water - Lighthouse Hockey
Dominik highlights one of the league's overlooked success stories on Long Island.

Blueshirts By The Numbers: Number 2-Brian Leetch - Blueshirt Banter
The greatest #2 in Rangers history? That's a pretty easy choice...

Is it too soon to worry about another NHL lockout? | All Things Avs
Adrian Dater considers the unthinkable. His numbers regarding the Predators, however, appear to be completely off base (losing $10-15 million a year? They would have left already).

Donald Fehr emerging as NHLPA boss with new constitution - SI.com
Jim Kelley reviews the recent developments that have brought the NHLPA to its current status, including a new constitution and a report that they railroaded their former executive director, Paul Kelly, out of the job.

RIP Andyman (Puck-Rakers Blog)
Aaron Portzline commemorates the passing of a landmark figure in the Columbus hockey community.

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Comments

As Charlie Osgood says

“See you on the radio,” Dirk.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Jul 20, 2010 8:37 AM EDT reply actions

Adrian Dater = Total Hypocrite

The guy is a tool. A treasure trove of misinformation and hypocritical rants. Apparently Dater needs a larger mirror. One where he can accurately view himself AND the Colorado fans in a not-so-myopic light.

by Predaceous on Jul 20, 2010 9:30 AM EDT reply actions

Pay no attention. Once again Dater found himself in front of a blank screen with nothing at all to write. So he just put down the first things to crawl out of his hopelessly uninformed mind. But yes, the guy is a complete tool.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Jul 20, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Here's an excerpt my 17-year contract rant.

I figured Dirk would approve of this.

(This table includes goalies)
Players at 40: A lot
Players at 41: >50
Players at 42: 24
Players at 44: 8

It isn’t a stretch to suggest at age 41 will be his last in the NHL, but he may well play in the AHL at age 42 and still, therefore, be paid under the contract. Therefore, the last two years (or probably three) of this contract should be nullified. 42 was a reasonable argument. 44 is not.

EIGHT PLAYERS IN HISTORY PLAYED AT 44, AND FOUR WERE GOALIES (and one extended his career so he could play with his sons). Therefore, it is clear that there is no real chance of the signed player ever playing all the years in their SPC, and therefore it should be considered a circumvention of the cap.

Here’s another way of looking at it:
1248 non-goalie players in history have played at least 500 games in the NHL. 4 of them played when they were age 44. (.32%)
(If you are curious, the four are Gordie Howe, Chris Chelios, Tim Horton, and Doug Harvey.)

On the Mike Weber bandwagon.
Tyler Ennis: Freed from Portland!

by Ubiquitous on Jul 20, 2010 11:43 AM EDT reply actions