Ilya Kovalchuk

[kovalchuk17]

I see, thats interesting. I suppose we shall see what happens then.

[rataylor22]

I don't think there is a single chance he has point per game upside, and I also don't think there's a single chance he's actually coming back to the NHL.

[Big Baby]

There is bad blood in Jersey, Don't see him signing there. I know its a new management but I would imagine he'd be looking to sign with a contender.

[loco man]

I don't think there is a single chance he has point per game upside, and I also don't think there's a single chance he's actually coming back to the NHL.

Curious why you think no chance. Until we hear it directly from his agent or himself, it is pure speculation. However, there seems to be at least as much to suggest that he will come back than will not. Freidman is pretty well connected and respected as a solid source - I don't think he would go on national TV and break that story if there was not at least some legs to it. I also read somewhere that Kovy's return to the KHL was more for personal reasons than monetary and those have now been resolved. After watching Rads' have success, I could see it. Why not?

I remember the same talk when the news broke that Radulov was returning - lots of "no chance" "negotiating ploy" comments, but in the end here he is. Bottom line nobody knows at this point, but I am sure hoping and if I were to bet, I'd lay my money on a return.

Couple of updates - KHL Commish denies the rumours and thinks he will stay due to NHL non Olympic stance and also Kovy has not been added to Russian team for the Worlds

[brett_c_b]

It's intriguing fantasy wise but I'd hate to see him go to jersey. To be honest he won't help jersey, they should definitely look to trade his rights as soon as they can as the value will likely never be higher (not that I think it has a ton of value but it won't get better as kovalchuk continues to age).

According to Bob Mckenzie they can't trade his rights, but they can sign him and then trade him.

[Jouko-Pouko]

Curious why you think no chance. Until we hear it directly from his agent or himself, it is pure speculation. However, there seems to be at least as much to suggest that he will come back than will not. Freidman is pretty well connected and respected as a solid source - I don't think he would go on national TV and break that story if there was not at least some legs to it. I also read somewhere that Kovy's return to the KHL was more for personal reasons than monetary and those have now been resolved. After watching Rads' have success, I could see it. Why not?

I remember the same talk when the news broke that Radulov was returning - lots of "no chance" "negotiating ploy" comments, but in the end here he is. Bottom line nobody knows at this point, but I am sure hoping and if I were to bet, I'd lay my money on a return.

Couple of updates - KHL Commish denies the rumours and thinks he will stay due to NHL non Olympic stance and also Kovy has not been added to Russian team for the Worlds

Kovalchuk will see a specialist and will likely need surgery, so that's why he'll miss the World Championship tournament. Apparently he was playing injured, not sure how long, though.

[rataylor22]

Curious why you think no chance. Until we hear it directly from his agent or himself, it is pure speculation. However, there seems to be at least as much to suggest that he will come back than will not. Freidman is pretty well connected and respected as a solid source - I don't think he would go on national TV and break that story if there was not at least some legs to it. I also read somewhere that Kovy's return to the KHL was more for personal reasons than monetary and those have now been resolved. After watching Rads' have success, I could see it. Why not?

I remember the same talk when the news broke that Radulov was returning - lots of "no chance" "negotiating ploy" comments, but in the end here he is. Bottom line nobody knows at this point, but I am sure hoping and if I were to bet, I'd lay my money on a return.

Couple of updates - KHL Commish denies the rumours and thinks he will stay due to NHL non Olympic stance and also Kovy has not been added to Russian team for the Worlds

Simple, I don't think he will play for Jersey and I don't think they will get a return worthwhile to trade him. He has to sign a contract before they can trade him, and If I'm New Jersey I'm not taking less than a 2nd round pick, minimum. I'd probably want a first round pick, and maybe more. And really, who is paying that price when you don't know what he is anymore? Don't see it happening.

[loco man]

Simple, I don't think he will play for Jersey and I don't think they will get a return worthwhile to trade him. He has to sign a contract before they can trade him, and If I'm New Jersey I'm not taking less than a 2nd round pick, minimum. I'd probably want a first round pick, and maybe more. And really, who is paying that price when you don't know what he is anymore? Don't see it happening.

Even if it is only a 2nd round pick or two 3rds or whatever why not take it for free? I think he will get more than that, but even if not there is no downside at all for NJ to sign and flip him for whatever they can get. If I were a devils fan I'd be pissed if they tossed away a 2nd round pick for nothing.

[rataylor22]

Even if it is only a 2nd round pick or two 3rds or whatever why not take it for free? I think he will get more than that, but even if not there is no downside at all for NJ to sign and flip him for whatever they can get. If I were a devils fan I'd be pissed if they tossed away a 2nd round pick for nothing.

Yea, I'm saying what team would offer that? For NJ, I wouldn't take less. For a team not NJ, why would you pay that much?

[2014olympicgold]

I wonder if a team will goat the Devils into signing him with some subtle under the table hints and then pull the deal when they sign Kovi.

Devils can’t technically talk trade until Kovi is signed. They will likely gauge interest from the league before signing him. But I wonder if like lets say the Blues say, “oh we’re interested. Maybe we don’t need our 2^nd rounder” and the Devils sign Kovi, call the Blues back, “ya so we got the deal?”. And Blues say, “NAHHHH, live with the contract”

[lucafen4]

I wonder if a team will goat the Devils into signing him with some subtle under the table hints and then pull the deal when they sign Kovi.

Devils can’t technically talk trade until Kovi is signed. They will likely gauge interest from the league before signing him. But I wonder if like lets say the Blues say, “oh we’re interested. Maybe we don’t need our 2^nd rounder” and the Devils sign Kovi, call the Blues back, “ya so we got the deal?”. And Blues say, “NAHHHH, live with the contract”

Lou, who signed him is gone. So I doubt any GM will harbour old feelings on a deal with Shero

[2014olympicgold]

Lou, who signed him is gone. So I doubt any GM will harbour old feelings on a deal with Shero

What if Lou Lam did it? Hahaha

[lucafen4]

What if Lou Lam did it? Hahaha

Kovy IS NOT in the Shannaplan . end of story

[lucafen4]

What I'm most surprised about... is that these two Kovalev returning threads have not been merged. Are they not the same ?

[Axeman33]

What I'm most surprised about... is that these two Kovalev returning threads have not been merged. Are they not the same ?

Kovalev is returning too??