Thursday, February 04, 2010
Posted By Craig Custance 12:59 PM
Often when blockbuster deals are made, like the one we’re expecting with Ilya Kovalchuk, the trade is made with a team that hasn’t been prominently rumored. So while Kovalchuk rumors continue to surround the Kings, Devils, Bruins and Flyers, I set out today to see if I could discover a mystery team I thought was most likely to land the talented Russian.
Following some conversations, some logic and a little leap of faith, I came to my conclusion: The San Jose Sharks
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It made so much sense. There’s pressure in San Jose to win a Stanley Cup. They have the assets to make it happen and a GM not afraid to make a big deal.
So I floated my theory past San Jose GM Doug Wilson today. If I was looking for even the slightest shred of confirmation, he wasn’t giving it.
“Any conversation I have with a GM stays in complete confidence, I have too much respect for the other GM,” he said.
And he wasn’t budging. He’s serious about the issue of tampering, and has no intention of making any public declarations of talks with Atlanta GM Don Waddell.
“I’ve had people do it to me and I think it’s the most disrespectful thing you can do to another GM,” he said.
He said he’d leave the speculation up to the media, saying only that he speaks to every team about finding ways to improve the Sharks.
“We’ve always stepped up and tried to add the pieces – whether it be in the summer and up to the trade deadline. We’ve done both,” Wilson told SportingNews.com. “That’s our commitment to our players, coaches and fans. We won’t waiver from that.”
If Wilson won’t speculate, I will. Here’s why I believe the Sharks have to be considered in the mix. For one, look at Wilson’s history. If an elite player hits the market, Wilson is in the conversation. He traded for Joe Thornton. He traded for Dan Boyle. He traded for Dany Heatley. He traded for Brian Campbell.
Why would Ilya Kovalchuk be any different?
The price for Kovalchuk is going to be high, so any team that trades for him has to do it with the Stanley Cup in mind. This is a Sharks team that is desperate to put past playoff disappointments behind them. Wouldn’t adding a player of Kovalchuk’s caliber, even as a rental, give them a better chance?
And let’s not forget the Dany Heatley factor. Kovalchuk and Heatley enjoyed playing together. Heck, it was Heatley who taught Kovalchuk English. They were roommates on the road while both played in Atlanta and by all accounts have a good relationship.
Is it a longshot? Maybe. But right now, I’m not ruling out the Sharks.
Now this is an interesting theory. The Sharks would have a terrifying offense if they were to add Kovy... I guess we'll see how this one turns out
For the record, I'm betting on NJ
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