11/05/24
February 04, 2010
Devils add Kovalchuk: New Jersey added a little bit of firepower for the playoffs, adding the NHL's leading goal scorer over the last 9 years.
Kinda bizarre, looking at his career, that at the very least, he's going to double his career playoff games this year. I just wonder if he's going to buy into the Devils system completely, and how long he'll be in Jersey. I suspect this is a true rental situation, but Lamorello isn't known for that type of move.
posted by tahoemoj at 12:52 AM on February 05, 2010
"Well, there goes hockey in Atlanta."
You'd have to think it is/was just a matter of time.
posted by Spitztengle at 01:40 AM on February 05, 2010
Wait. What? Who? Where? My. Mind. Is. Blown.
posted by MrFrisby at 05:03 AM on February 05, 2010
Awesome that he's no longer in the Southeast Division, bummer he's still in the Eastern Conference. Well, not that it matters to the Hurricanes right now, but there's always next year.
posted by NoMich at 06:13 AM on February 05, 2010
I don't know if this helps or hurts my fantasy team. Can he be more productive in the Devils system?
You just know Jim Balsillie is ordering "Hamilton Thrashers" banners this morning...
posted by MeatSaber at 06:33 AM on February 05, 2010
Also included in the deal is the thug Patrice Cormier of the infamous junior elbow throwers association.
Give the Devils their due, they got a scorer and rid of a headache all in one deal.
posted by Demophon at 09:14 AM on February 05, 2010
Ilya just wants a chance to get his name on the cup. I would bet this is a one season rental deal. It is scary though. Just wonder how much the "trap" system will work with a player like him.
posted by Debo270 at 09:26 AM on February 05, 2010
they got a scorer and rid of a headache all in one deal.
I thought that was pretty shrewd, as well. Bergfors was shaping up to be a good young player, but he'd been ice cold during this bad stretch. Oduya's a hell of a skater, but not exactly indispensable. Curious to see who Ilya skates with. Maybe Zubrus and Elias? That could create some space for him to pot a few.
posted by tahoemoj at 11:37 AM on February 05, 2010
As a Devils fan, I love the move. Hopefully Kovalchuk is more interested in winning and will stick around for a few more years. He's got to know with Marty in goal he'll have a chance every year at the cup. Ranger fans eat your heart out!!!
posted by MGDADDYO at 11:41 AM on February 05, 2010
O.K., early reports are Zubrus centering Kovy and Langenbrunner. Leaving Zajac between Parise and Rolston until Elias is healthy.
sorry about the homerism, I'm really excited about this trade
posted by tahoemoj at 02:39 PM on February 05, 2010
I find it hard to believe that Don Waddell could not make a better deal than this. Even though Kovalchuk is really only a rental, he could still put a lot of clubs into Stanley Cup contention. New Jersey is one of them, but others (Chicago) come to mind. The cries from here in "the hub of hockey" from those wanting Bruins to gut the team for him have fortunately fallen on deaf ears. While he certainly would have improved the team, he alone would not be enough to get the B's past the first or second round.
posted by Howard_T at 05:01 PM on February 05, 2010
Atlanta got nothing significant in a deal for one of the top ten scorers in the league. Just like Hossa.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 07:09 PM on February 07, 2010
First response from an Atlanta hockey friend: "Well, there goes hockey in Atlanta."