 | HTR Feature Article: Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk |
The Ilya Kovalchuk watch is becoming a saga, not surprising given his status as arguably the best-ever unrestricted free agent.
Still believed to have the inside track to sign the left wing, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello yesterday repeated his "status quo" mantra regarding his consistent desire to sign Kovalchuk, then added, "Nothing has changed today, yesterday or the day before."
Speculation began to percolate as how Lamoriello could sign Kovalchuk and remain beneath the salary cap of $59.4 million, or even use his summertime 10 percent excess allowance. He has some $6 million in room, counting 16 obvious regulars, and aside from Kovalchuk, would have to count six more for a 23-man roster, that half-dozen likely to total at least $4 million.
Should he sign Kovalchuk, and the figure of $60 million over seven years offered by one source seems realistic, he would barely have that 110 percent summertime space, and would have to shed some $6 million in salaries by Game 1.
Clearing cap space is a difficult task, especially with eight no-trade contracts: Brian Rolston, Jamie Langenbrunner, Patrik Elias (no movement), Jason Arnott, Colin White, Anton Volchenkov, Martin Brodeur and Johan Hedberg, none of which have expired or contain windows of relief, sources say.
Several of those players are said to have not been approached to waive their clauses.
Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) appear the most likely sacrificial candidates without no-trade clauses. The Devils have Zach Parise, Elias, Zubrus and Brian Rolston as nominal left wings, where Kovalchuk plays.
News was scanty yesterday, despite Kovalchuk's agent saying Monday night that the superstar left wing has narrowed down his choices, with details yet to be finalized.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/devils/devs_must_clear_cap_space_to_sign_iNXWKYqkPFg3Wo97lTTuZP?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=#ixzz0t0pkvF34
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| "Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk" | Login/Create an Account | 66 comments |
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Re: Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk (Score: 1)
by mojo19 on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | Brian Rolston would be the one to move in my opinion. At $5.1 million its a tough contract, but Lou can do his thing.
Either way, even if they don't sign Ilya, I think the Devils will have a great team. I really like the additions of Volchenkov and Tallinder to the back end, they needed that. Their forwards are great, they just couldn't handle Philly with that workman like D. Also the big body of Arnott up front will help for the playoffs.
Let's say the Dev's don't get Kovalchuk and sign some old vet like Kariya or Satan to a reasonable 1-year deal. The team would be sweet:
Patrick Elias - Travis Zajac - Zach Parise
Jamie Langenbrunner - Jason Arnott - Danius Zubrus
Miroslav Satan* - Brian Rolston - David Clarkson
PL Leblond - Vladimir Zharkov - Brad Mills
Anton Volchenkov - Andy Greene
Mattias Tallinder - Bryce Salvador
Colin White - Ansi Salmela/Rob Davison
Johan Hedberg
Martin Brodeur
That's some pretty sweet depth up front, and a presumably solid defense. |
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Re: Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk (Score: 1)
by Steve362 on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | Parise will be a Maple Leaf after next season
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Re: Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk (Score: 1)
by leafstime on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | Kadri, Caputi, Exelby and a fourth round pick for Parise. Fix Jersey's cap problem and gets scorer. Leafs get scorer. Everybody happy. Just get it done Burke.
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Re: Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk (Score: 1)
by reinjosh on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | So if we do indeed trade Kaberle and the Leafs decide to go after a depth defenseman, who would people want?
Personally I really like Jordan Hendry, Brett Lebda or Alexandre Picard.
I'd also like to still go after Artyukhin or Colin Stuart as a depth move for the bottom 6 or AHL/Injury with Stuart.
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Re: Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk (Score: 1)
by nordiques100 on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | I think the Leafs can get in on this and get a decent, good sized centre in Zubrus.
He is 32, and has 3 years left. But, if the Devils are desperate enough, a trade can be brokered.
Someone pointed out earlier that Rolston has a NTC. i think he'd waive only if he stayed in the area.
so that does leave Zubrus and Salvador left.
i'd like to see Zubrus brought in cause he is just a big guy who is willing physically and is versatile enough to be slotted on different lines, in different positions.
he isnt much of a point getter anymore but may pot 20 goals if he sees some regular offensive time.
not the greatest faceoff guy, but, big and strong to handle the checking duties.
Him, Armstrong and Sjostrom would be a very good 3rd unit/checking line.
On the other hand, people are talking now of Kovalchuk going to LA...again. at least talking anyhow.
that would also be good for toronto. i think if the kings get Kovalchuk, they go after Kaberle.
I think adding those two would put them in win now mode, but like Chicago and Pittsburgh kind of where they have the horses to compete long term. I mean Doughty is awesome and Kopitar/Brown is very solid and one of Quick or Bernier should give them good goaltending.
If they sign Kovy, that would maybe allow them to move assets for Kaberle.
I think they'd want to send a contract back to Toronto. I've mentioned Justin Williams before as he makes 3.5, not that much less than Kaberle's 4.25 and both have a year remaining.
but a guy who fills toronto's needs more may be Stoll. he makes 3.6, but plays centre and is excellent in a variety of situations. can play the point on the PP, win draws, be a checker or 2nd line centre. if they can grab him and a couple of good prospects, or him a first and a prospect that's not horrible.
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Re: Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk (Score: 1)
by JustYouW8 on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | I hear the Leafs signed Brett Lebda to a two year deal..
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Re: Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk (Score: 1)
by mojo19 on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | | And on that note... looks like we signed Lebda |
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Re: Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk (Score: 1)
by leafmeister (ottawasenators@willneverwinthecup.com) on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | Leafs sign Lebda. This certainly means that a defensmen is on his way out.
We already had too many defensemen, and Lebda plays a semi-similar game to Kaberle, so I think this means the end of Kaberle in Toronto.
Hopefully Burke got what he wants.
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