Down to Three: Who Will Land Ilya Kovalchuk?
With an Ilya Kovalchuk trade imminent let us examine what the possible packages the top three suitors will have to give up.
Los Angeles Kings- the most likely destination for Ilya even though it might not be wise for them to mortgage the future with a team that isn’t quite ready for greatness. The package will most likely have to include stud D- man and member of the US Olympic team Jack Johnson. In addition to Johnson, Wayne Simmonds will also be asked for, but why should the Thrashers stop there? A first round draft pick and possibly another pick or prospect will also be asked for.
New Jersey Devils- The Devils have made a strong push recently to move to the top of the Kovy rumor mill. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello realizes that Martin Broduer can’t play forever, and when he retires the Devils might as well pack in the franchise. It makes sense for them to go after Kovy now and try to win a cup. I don’t see a whole lot of players the Thrashers would covet from NJ but let’s give it a shot anyway. David Clarkson will almost certainly have to be included as well currently injured blue liner Paul Martin. Like in the LA deal, the Thrashers will want a first round pick back as well. I can also see a youngster like Niclas Bergfors being asked for. Travis Zajac could also be a name the intrigues the Thrash.
New York Rangers- First off Kovy isn’t 35 or older so why Glen Sather would want him is beyond me. Maybe he finally realizes that the current roster construction isn’t working. Signing a big young star worked with Gaborik so why not bring in another one in hopes of jump starting a streaky if not completely anemic Rangers' offense. By unloading Higgins and Kotalik and a buyout/ demotion all but imminent for Wade “Golden Gloves” Redden, the Rangers might be in a position to add salary (who would’ve guessed that after the contracts of Drury, Gomez, Redden and Naslund in recent years?). Many have speculated the Rangers might not have the trade assets necessary to land the Russian sniper, but I think a package will strongly depend on which Rangers the Trashers want, not if the Rangers have enough players. It’ll take one players from each of the following groups first a young forward either Dubinsky or Callahan, I think the Rangers will try to move Dubinsky seeing as he will command more money and might have trouble resigning him anyway. D men Matt Gilroy or Bobby Sanguinetti, again a first rounder will have to be included. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Trashers asked for a talent such as Grachev or NHL ready AHLers Corey Locke or PA Parenteau to add organizational depth.
While I still believe the Kings are the current Kovy front runner the Devils have the most motivation to get a deal done. I wouldn’t discount Glen Sather pulling out all stops on this one because it might be the only way to save his job. This trade should be completed by the end of the weekend, and the Trashers are in a prime position to sit back and see which deal the like best.
Nick Rutherford
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