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Day 5

Posted by Rich Hammond on 5 July 2010, 8:50 am

Well, it should be very interesting to see what happens today. If Ilya Kovalchuk really is out for $100 million, and nothing less, there’s one team (hi, Islanders) known to be potentially able/willing to give it to him, so it should be a relatively easy deal to complete. If Dean Lombardi is really out of the chase, he should have no problem coming out publicly and saying he has cut off all communication with the Kovalchuk camp. Anything less, by either side, is pure posturing. And that’s not a knock, because posturing is what these high-stakes deals are all about. It’s how people protect their respective interests. But the reason I told you the specific questions I put to Lombardi yesterday, and the reason I tell you he has so far chosen not to answer them, is that nobody should believe any team is “out” until the second K in the name “Kovalchuk” is signed on a contract with another team. Everyone, in this case, is doing their job, and unfortunately for us, that job doesn’t include making things easy/clear for fans and media. So what will it be? Will Kovalchuk go get his $100 million? Will someone blink? We’re in Day 5 of this saga, but my guess would be that there aren’t many hours remaining. We’ll see.

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97 Comments

  1. broncoking says:
    July 5, 2010 at 8:53 am

    morning Rich

    [Reply]

  2. Stop the Puck says:
    July 5, 2010 at 8:54 am

    right. you have to think this cat and mousing wont continue forever

    [Reply]

  3. Anonymous says:
    July 5, 2010 at 8:55 am

    I can’t see signing Kovalchuk for that kind of money as some other posters have said on here , it makes no sense to give one guy that kind of money .. id take that money… resign drew and jack , get another puck moving defensemen and a scoring winger … the Kings are getting to the point where they can be very good year in and year out … it will take more than IK to get them to that point , keep building Dean ..

    [Reply]

  4. luckyluc13 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 8:56 am

    To the Kings or not…just get er done.One way or the other.

    [Reply]

    Raun Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 12:06 pm

    @luckyluc13,
    Yes! please, do something!

    [Reply]

  5. hotrod73 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 8:59 am

    Dude’s not worth $100m. We want his heart here, too.

    [Reply]

    mrk Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:32 am

    @hotrod73,

    So far, it’s looking like his heart is on the $100m

    [Reply]

  6. matt george says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:00 am

    honestly, at this point, my biggest question is how does kovalchuk recover from what is turning out to be a pr nightmare?

    If he signs @ a reasonable price, why’d he put us thru the saga?

    If he signs for big bux, why’d he put us thru the saga?

    My guess is he fires the agent. Someone’s gonna need to be the scapegoat here.

    [Reply]

    Paul From Oxnard Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:13 am

    @matt george, Honestly, I don’t see how this is a PR nightmare. Kovalchuk and his agent are doing exactly what they want to do, and what they should do. They’re telling the NHL “This is what the guy is worth in our opinion”. They know that there’s hardly any chance of him getting it. And Dean Lombardi and the other teams are doing what they have to do. They’re chirping about whether or not they’re “in the race” and when Dean felt he didn’t have much more of a bargaining position he went out and said the Kings were “out” of it. As Rich said, it’s probably just posturing. That’s how these deals work. This isn’t some 4th line winger who plays 5 minutes a game. This guy wants to be paid among the highest of anyone in the world. It’s going to take wrangling from both sides of the table to get a deal done, whether it’s with the Kings or the Isles or somewhere else.

    [Reply]

    Matt George Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:27 am

    @Paul From Oxnard,

    I’m still having trouble understanding how this is that much different from a 4th line winger. And please let me explain:

    Kovalchuk has known for quite some time what he thinks he’s worth.

    And DL has known for quite some time what he’s willing to pay … in fact, same with the rest of the GM’s.

    It comes down to, do you want to win, or do you want to get paid? That’s it.

    It’s a PR Nightmare because all of us know it comes down to that question. It really should have been apparent to Grossman AND his client that they weren’t going to get the money they want from the team they want after .. oh i dont know day 2? Day 3?! Here we are at day 5.

    It’s also a nightmare because we’re being told differing things by Jay and his client.

    1) We’re told it’s not about the money and he wants to be on a winning team.

    Okay. If indeed that was the case, there are 2 winning teams willing to pay top dollar, NJ and LA. Flip a bleepin coin.

    2) We’re told he wants fair market value.

    Okay, then it’s about the money.

    Jay and his client have dragged us through a frustrating quagmire of “who’s on first” with their priority set.

    At the end of this, how can anyone not view Kovalchuk as a me first, team last, greedy, self centered, knob?

    PR – Nightmare

    [Reply]

    Paul From Oxnard Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:34 am

    @Matt George, The fans of whatever team he signs with won’t think of him as a me first, team last, greedy, self centered, knob when he scores that 50th goal for them each season. By a year from now this whole charade will be long forgotten.

    Crown Royal Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:48 am

    @Matt George,

    I think both you and Paul raise good points. Kovalchuck doesn’t look good to the fans right now but if he scores and brings wins to his new team those particular fans will embrace him.

    If it’s true the Flyers are still in on this it could be interesting for DL and the Kings should he sign with Philly. They will need to dump salary and that opens up not only Gagne but possibly Carter and a top four D-man to be traded. Possibly to L.A.? That could mean that DL would be indirectly helping to faciliate the Flyers signing Kovalchuck. A blockbuster trade involving a lot of players and picks could change the face and future of the Kings forever. This might be a longshot but not entirely out of the question.

    Guitpik Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:51 am

    @Matt George,

    I don’t see this as a PR nightmare, it is business. When they are bartering over the types of numbers that have been reported, it doesn’t surprise me in the least that they are on Day 5 of the negotiations.

    If Kovalchuk deems that financial security while continuing to play in the NHL is his highest priority, then he SHOULD go to the Islanders. If he feels that the Devils are the team he wants to play for, it is his agent’s position to get the best deal for his client. This is Kovalchuk’s one best shot at FA, he and his management team need to maximize all of his options. That’s not greed, it’s the current landscape of the business of professional sports.

    They aren’t dragging anyone through anything. If as a fan we decide to become emotionally involve in something that is really not our business, then we are dragging ourselves through it.

    Relax and let the chips fall where they may. With or without Kovalchuk the Kings are going to be a great team this year.

    Matt George Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:53 am

    will he make the fans happy with 50 goals? sure.

    not sure about forgotten tho.

    but then again, i’m a son of a B who harbors crap.. so maybe it’s just me.

    Dominick Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:10 am

    @Matt George and Paul,
    It’s all relativity.From the Isles point of view Charles Wang is Bold and daring.From our point of view he’s an idiot.

    The real criminal here is Wang,for driving up the price to get Kovi when his team is clearly not ready.

    Hopefully all he’ll have achieved is an exit visa from the NHL in a few years for treating the NHL like his own little fantasy league.

    I feel for Islander fans who will see him drive up there costs so high that there team can no longer function under the cap.

  7. lv4la says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:02 am

    I know Kovalchuk is a good player but is it worth one sixth of the teams salary? I believe Dean is smart enough to walk away and not overpay. We can get 3-4 players for that money and if they are 20 goal scorers a season, that is better than 1 player who has 40-50 goals.

    I was hoping we would get Kovalchuk but now I don’t think its a good idea. If the man truly wanted to help a team win a cup he wouldn’t be breaking their bank to do it. If all he wants is money, he is looking for a job in the wrong country. He can go home and make his millions. He’ll make in one year more than most people on this planet make in a lifetime. So really, what does it matter if its 8 million or 10 million. At that point either is plenty.

    Lets find a player who wants to help us win and is willing to do it financially as well as athletically.

    [Reply]

    d b cooper Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:43 am

    @lv4la,
    i agree 100% with you and anonymous.
    1/5th of our budget for 1 man, who won’t backcheck, is not worth it.
    and as Lv41a says, we can add 2-3 others AND still sign our young guys who will have NEW contracts in the near futures.
    if the Isles sign him this won’t be the last we’ll hear of this current eposide: the isles have HUGH contracts with a couple of players, Dipeitro, Yashin, and need a new stadium for the kind of Corporate revenue, they don’t have Now. they will have to sell off good supportive players, see Chicago BlkHks, to meet their bills, or they become Phonenix East.

    i say trade with some of our assests for 25 or younger solid support players, keep our budget strong future in-house stars to remain, and look to see what develops during the season for free agents to be for next summer: somebody will become available from teams that have now Tapped-out, and want something in return instead of losing a player to URFA.

    [Reply]

  8. Snoop dogg says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:02 am

    Forget this guy. He’s all about money. Paying him could destroy what the kings have built.

    [Reply]

  9. gonzo801 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:02 am

    According to nhl.com, the Kings are officially out (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=533765). It seems as though Kovy has to choose between either going for the biggest money and playing on a still maturing team on the Isles or stay with a decent contender with the Devils. Or maybe he’ll decide to compromise between the two by going with Kings anyway. It doesn’t hurt to still keep hope alive.

    [Reply]

    Matt George Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:11 am

    @gonzo801,

    old news rehashed

    [Reply]

  10. GG says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:06 am

    He is good. but if he really want’s to play in LA.he will take less otherwise he is not one of us.

    [Reply]

  11. Orphios says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:06 am

    I completey agree we likely need to move on from IK with his inane 100 million dollar demands. Anyone with any cap knowledge knows the team will be nothing more than a stud, one other great piece and eventually a bunch of retreads like we dealt with prior to Deano.

    As for Gagne, it doesnt really fit with my, and hopefully, Dean’s vision. I understand the idea of getting vets like Smyth but health is key. JW was a waste in some respects because he always gets hurt (even if the injury isnt his fault persay) but at least he was (26?) when we got him. Very much in line with our age needs. I have a lot of concerns adding a injury prone 30 + scorer as it doesnt really fit. Btw, those Bobby Ryan wants…no chance…RFA and Dean wont go down that path as noted. A player like that that we can deal for…25 or so with 30 g capability and past performance…exactly what we should and I gotta imagine will deal for….we shall see

    [Reply]

  12. лдглф68 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:06 am

    If IK wants to come and play for Kings than he needs to decide it really fast.Eventhough right now it looks like a good played poker game. honestly i don’t think DL will wait for his answer for long, he has the team to run and he knows what players we need to be competitive. Plus i think people in hockey world will start to lean towards idea that IK is just about money and not much about wining and this might damage his reputation. Who really wants such player? I think every profeesional player knows where he wants to play and how much money he wants to get. And there will be always the cap. So more money – team you are playing with has very little shot on SC. Less money and you might hold SC in your hands sooner than later. At this point i am really tired of ll this saga and IMHO IK it takes too much time to decide. Just look on all defensmen who signed on 1st, they all knew how much and where.Now we are dealing with the person who wants NHL domination.Sorry, you are not that good. And if NYI want him for 10 mil for 10 years, let them have it. I’d rather get Fro and someone else back.

    [Reply]

  13. Tompa says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:09 am

    Kovalchuk’s agent just tweeted that he is gonna make his decision today:

    http://twitter.com/Jay_Grossman

    [Reply]

    MacSwede Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:16 am

    @Tompa, Yeah I saw that too, was going to publish it here but you came first ;)

    Interesting. At least by the end of the day we dont have to wait anymore. I still have som small hopes that DL signs Ilya on great contract that benefits both parts.

    [Reply]

    Kevin Y Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:30 am

    @MacSwede,

    Me too…

    Today should be interesting, and at least we know when we should expect the suspense to end…..

    Although now I can’t help but thinking this is a ploy by the agent to try to get DL to re-open his interest (not that it ever left) and make one last push by jacking up the price again.

    [Reply]

    Paul From Oxnard Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:16 am

    @Tompa, Clearly Kovy is the first “domino” to fall. Once he does other guys like Frolov will sign and trades will be made and all this will be over within the next day or 2.

    [Reply]

    Matt George Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:30 am

    @Tompa,

    Oh well, at least this is where being on the West Coast benefits us … it’s already 12:30 pm there so according to Jay’s tweet this can’t go on too much longer.

    wait

    [Reply]

    wavesinair Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:37 am

    @Tompa, gotta love the hype (and I’m not saying it won’t happen) but grossman did NOT say Kovi WILL make his decision today. He said he is LOOKING to make his decision today. It’s hair splitting, but with so much at stake, hair splitting is necessary.

    P.S. Go away Kovi, we don’t want you here.

    [Reply]

    d b cooper Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:51 am

    @wavesinair,

    who doesn’t think ONLY WAYNE and MARIOR would be worth 1/5th of your contract budget?

    Kovi is no wayne or mario. 2 additional 20 goal scores EQUAL 1 40 goal scorer and is harder to Defend! And we can get a solid defensemen.

    anyone agree?

    [Reply]

    Matt George Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:55 am

    @wavesinair,

    Yeah what’s the word for girls like Kovi?

    “blank” tease?

    [Reply]

  14. AK47 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:14 am

    Rich, you’re right, as per usual, the decision will be coming today according to Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman..

    I bet it’s Islanders or Devils, God I hope I’m wrong

    [Reply]

    wavesinair Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:51 am

    Devils or KHL.

    [Reply]

  15. blckbsct says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:14 am

    Business as usual either way whoever he signs with!

    In DL I Trust!

    Go Kings

    [Reply]

  16. keith says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:15 am

    Better with 4 or 5 players then 1 kovi

    [Reply]

    tantrum4 Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:00 am

    @keith,

    No it isn’t. We’ve had 4 or 5 players instead of 1 Kovi for the last 43 years. How many Cups do we have? How many times have we missed the playoffs?

    [Reply]

    Rainman Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 11:20 am

    @tantrum4,

    How many Playoff Series did the Atlanta Thrashers win while Kovi was there? ZERO! In fact, they were swept by the Rangers in 2007, the only year the Thrashers qualified for the Playoffs during Kovi’s seven years there!

    Kovi did much better this past April with the Devils. They lost in the first round to the Flyers, but did win ONE game.

    [Reply]

    Guitpik Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:12 am

    @keith,

    Better with one or two key additions, while retaining the ability to sign our own free agents.

    [Reply]

  17. AK47 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:18 am

    Well, looks like we’re actually out of it and it wasn’t a big bluff by Dean..

    LeBrun’s Twitter:

    “Lombardi to ESPN.com via email just now, regarding Kovalchuk, “We made our best offer – he said no and we get on with our team.”

    [Reply]

    tantrum4 Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:22 am

    @AK47,

    Not if Kovalchuk changes his mind. I think Dean has actually laid out his best hand and won’t go any higher. It’s all up to Kovi now..

    [Reply]

    AK47 Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:30 am

    @tantrum4,

    Kovalchuk said “no”… I thought we were still in it until I saw that tweet, I think it’s done.. Only thing Lombardi has left to do is text Rich or e-mail him saying we’re out of the race..

    [Reply]

    rick Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:32 am

    @tantrum4, You could also argue that Lombardi is simply covering his butt and trying to appease Kings fans by saying we have put out our best offer – and making Kovy out as the bad guy who wouldn’t take it. I am more interested in finding out what the offer actually was – anyone think we will ever find out???

    [Reply]

  18. Cubs08 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:18 am

    I’d rather see the Kings go in the direction of stability and structure and longevity rather than a win-and-retool objective (see Chicago). Use the $ to retain DD, JJ, Kopi, Brown, Simmer, Bernier, etc. for the next 7-10 years. Imagine what that type of familiarity could breed. And over time, DL’s crew WILL draft skilled forwards capable of filling the net. In an era of transient players, let’s take the road less traveled. Avoid the tempting Kovi fruit. Think long term.

    [Reply]

    OneTimer Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:44 am

    @Cubs08,

    This!

    [Reply]

    HeartMurmur Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:50 am

    @Cubs08,

    Uhhhh……am I reading team personnel recommendations by someone called “Cubs”?

    Really??

    [Reply]

    HeartMurmur Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:02 am

    @Cubs08,

    Joking aside though, I have to say I agree with the comments.

    And forgive my out-of-loopedness (I’m all the way in Montreal, where Kings chatter is non-existent), but are there talks underway with Frolov, or has he been written off?

    [Reply]

  19. USCG says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:19 am

    Sign frolov, sign modin, grab kariya, and modano! Haha just kidding half our team would be filled with geriatrics.you guys worry too much, frolovs 19 goals and modins 6 goals can EASILY be replaced by simmonds alone, unless we trade him for gagne.

    [Reply]

  20. ryan says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:20 am

    ok dean plan B or C or whatever your on. Here is a thought that is cheap but well used in trades get zack parise..i love this kid and he will bring all heart onto the ice. Do what it takes dean, believe me he is a winner.

    [Reply]

    Action Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:40 am

    @ryan,

    Seriously man?

    Why not just tell Dean to get Toews? Or Sid?

    Parise isn’t going anywhere.

    [Reply]

    Gabby Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:44 am

    @ryan,

    That would be awesome, but NJ will never go for it.
    Unless…they sign a certain high-priced Russian and then know they won’t be able to re-sign Parise. Actually, that’s exactly why I don’t think they’ll sign Kovy.

    [Reply]

    kingfish Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:59 am

    @ryan,
    I have been throwin this around too. Everybody thinks its crazy. But yeah if Lou plans on squeezing in Kovy hes gonna have to move players. C’mon Parise!!!!

    [Reply]

  21. rick says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:20 am

    I want to hold out hope for him coming here, but my instincts tell me that it’s done for us. I just hope that when the details come in, it’s going to be a deal that Lombardi was right to have passed on. Otherwise, the willingness of management to do what it takes to bring this city a Stanley Cup yet again will be open to question.

    [Reply]

    KingNewfie Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:35 am

    @rick, Until he announces which team he’s going to (or which league for that matter) I will still believe he will be a King.

    Holdin’ on!

    [Reply]

    wavesinair Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:47 am

    Ain’t gonna happen fellas. No way, no how. I know some are thinking DL’s comments might be a tactic, but not me. Regardless of the stakes, DL has proven to be a straight shooter, despite himself. When he says no, he means no. No Kovi.

    [Reply]

  22. Cubs08 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:30 am

    This is why I follow Horse Racing. The biggest stars in the game get apples and peppermints and are happy as clams.

    [Reply]

    Gabby Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:46 am

    @Cubs08,

    Yeah, and when they break a leg, someone shoots them. They don’t continue getting apples and peppermints.

    [Reply]

    USCG Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:09 am

    @Gabby, lawyered

    [Reply]

  23. oldthunder says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:31 am

    Well if we are truly out of it who do we trade for? Gagne is a risk we should not take. We need speed and a bit of size up front, which leaves very little in available wingers. The obvious answer is Ryan, and I know a lot of you have suggested Penner. Ryan would be too tough to trade for because we would not start signing with offer sheets.

    Penner would be an interesting move and we do have a history of trading with Edmonton. They need defense badly, and they have pretty much done the fire sale except for Souray. Maybe we could entice Edmonton in a trade some defensive prospects and maybe Moller and Ersberg or a 1st round pick for Penner but we would have to take on Souray’s salary at the same time. This would give us a much needed top 6 forward and a defenseman for about 10 million for the next 2 years, and it gives Edmonton freedom from Souray and a kick start in their rebuild. Sure for 2 years we have a defensive albatros contract but in 2 years we would obviously drop Souray and have the ability to keep JJ doughty etc and likely resign Penner.

    [Reply]

    mrk Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:41 am

    @oldthunder,

    Not at all a bad idea. Oilers are on a rebuild and might be willing to take picks. Then again they might consider Penner to be a part of their “core”.

    [Reply]

  24. Kevin Y says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:31 am

    I’m not sure if I’ve heard anywhere from Kovy or his agent that their side rejected the Kings offer. All I’ve seen is that DL said “Kovy said no”.

    Until he signs, I’m not gonna assume anything.

    [Reply]

    Gabby Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:47 am

    @Kevin Y,

    It benefits the Kovy camp to let the other teams (NYI and NJD) believe there’s still a chance that the Kings are in it.

    [Reply]

  25. SaveByCechmanek says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:35 am

    50 goal scorers aren’t a dime a dozen in the NHL. The Kings broke the bank before signing Gretzky. In the grand scheme of things, this fails in comparison to that deal. (Different eras I know)

    [Reply]

    OneTimer Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:46 am

    @SaveByCechmanek,

    Please explain … are you saying that you agree they shouldn’t repeat history (a la the Gretzky deal?) … or are you saying DL has “failed” bigger then that fail if he doesn’t do it?

    I think you’re saying don’t do it.

    [Reply]

  26. Christian T says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:38 am

    I want in on the IK talk. I get the feeling DL told him this is what we are willing to do and no more. Then he probably had to show how paying Doughty and Johnson and Simmonds and maybe another player or two made sense for building a winning team with Kolvachuk on it. Then he had a friend in Philly leak the Briere NTC news to let IK’s agent know that Deano is serious about not screwing up this team in the long run. “what say you?”

    I say no to 10yrs and a definite “NO” to 100 million. I’d could probably deal with 8-9 million for 6yrs and I think the Kings could make this work with DD and Johnson.

    [Reply]

  27. Hat Trick says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:39 am

    For the many of you who are critical of all the “non” moves, answer me this. This past season we were 5th overall goals in Western Conf (8th in NHL), 6th overall
    goals against Western Conf (11th in NHL). We lost the following players: Frolov, Halpern, Ivanans, Jones, Modin, and O’Donnell. Will it be that difficult to replace these players, given their overall contributions to the team? (For those of you who INSIST we need more scoring, this group scored a combined total of 30 goals–19 by Frolov). Whether it be by free agency, trade, or our own group of prospects, don’t you think that we will be improved. How many teams in the Western Conference have improved their team since the draft? Have any of the non playoff teams improved enough to make up the 11+ points needed to pass us? They had the same shot at the players you wanted signed here. Aside from Hamhuis, who else went to a W C team. Tanguay, Jokinen, Lydman……..c’mon. We haven’t made so much as a minor move, and some of you are crying about missing the playoffs. Between now and the trading deadline (8 months from now), with our cap space and assets, I think that we will be fine.

    [Reply]

    Dazed N Confused Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:24 am

    @Hat Trick, You are correct about the other WC teams. I not worried about the WC, I am worried about improving enough to bring the cup here. If Kovi is out then lets move on and visit other options. DL has done pretty damn good for us, so I will relax and see what kind of rabbit comes out of his hat.

    [Reply]

  28. scvking says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:41 am

    Rich-
    I think your read on this is absolutely correct. We will see what happens, and then we will know.
    I, and others, have mentioned for the past few weeks that we had no idea what Kovy wants…is it the big contract no matter where, or is it teh best contract possible with a contender? As of today, we still do not know. Kovy’s agent has played his hand—we can all speculate as to whether it was good, bad, proper, improper, etc. Doesn’t matter one whit what we think. The agent ‘could’ be using whatever leverage he has (hence the Islanders big offer) to try to get more out of the Kings or Devils. If we were the agent, and we knew Kovy wanted the best contract possible from either the Kings or Devils, would we have played this that differently? Say what you want about it, the agent is doing his job. And DL is doing his job by acting appropriately and responsibly. If Kovy ends up elsewhere, I don’t see how anyone can fault DL. But, I still have a mild hunch Kovy comes to LA.

    [Reply]

  29. Vahe says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:43 am

    Is the Team LA store going a Kings Jersey with “cap space” as the last name and the number as “-18m”…looks like that’s what DL is selling this off season. I agree we have to lock guys up, but where are the goals going to come from. Brown has regressed under TM, Smyth and Williams can’t stay healthy, Simmer is another Brown type player 20-25 goals a yr. A team built with a bunch of mediocre offense players and solid d-men will not go too far, see Nashville

    [Reply]

    Christian T Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:52 am

    @Vahe,
    A team with a 10 million dollar contract will lose very important young players…See Chicago.

    [Reply]

    Anonymous Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:56 am

    @Vahe,

    Oh, so this is our team that we will have on opening night? I didn’t know that there was a team imposed deadline to spend all our cap money. Apparently, you do. 29 other teams to choose from.

    [Reply]

    OneTimer Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 11:54 am

    @Vahe,

    I count 2 contradictories to your own post, plus 1 jersey joke plagarised from someone else in another thread.

    Try again please?

    [Reply]

  30. Jay Wells Fan says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:43 am

    I agree. We don’t pay this kid $10,000,000 even though he’s a top ten talent in the NHL. First, after he left the Thrashers… their team actually got better. Second, he went to the Devils that subsequently lost in the first round of the playoffs. Third, playing with an awesome (losing) Russian team in the Olympics I believe he scrounged up only three points! Yes, I want him. No, not at $10,000,000. Stay the course DL…

    [Reply]

    Christian T Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 9:54 am

    @Jay Wells Fan,

    oooh SNAP!!!!

    Well said Mr. Wells

    [Reply]

  31. tellmeY says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:45 am

    Pz do not sign Kovi…he would be bad for this team. I hear really bad things about this guy and he has a history of issues that this young locker room does not need. It would please me so much to see the NHL say goodbye and send him back to Russia. He can win the “Commie Cup ” there….DL is right not to sign him.

    [Reply]

  32. cww says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:46 am

    Dean – stick to your guns. Don’t let AEG or the fans change your belief that we should not overspend for this guy. Would love to have him at the right price, but please don’t break the bank or mortgage the future.

    [Reply]

  33. Larry says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:49 am

    Rich,whats your take on James Neal from Dallas, I think the kings should go after him, or evem carciello from Philly.

    [Reply]

  34. OneTimer says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:50 am

    Happy July 5th everyone. I will say … it sure seems like cooler heads are prevailing on here today- with the majority of fans posting the “Don’t do it Deano!” theme.

    Maybe it was the heat, maybe it was the hot dogs, or maybe it was the FIREWORKS EXPLODING in the sky that made people realize the team would need to be blown up in a couple years too – if we signed Kovy for $10M long term!

    Stay the course Deano … don’t BLOW UP what we’ve worked for and suffered through the last 4-5 years rebuilding. This team will be a force for several years!

    [Reply]

  35. Brent M says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:51 am

    Let me know what you guys think:

    TOronto gets:

    Wayne Simmonds (LA)
    Jarret Stoll (LA)
    Matt Carle (PHI)

    Philadelphia gets:
    Jonathan Quick (LA)
    Colten Teubert (LA)
    Michal Grabovski (TOR)

    LA gets:
    Tomas Kaberle (TOR)
    Simon Gagne (PHI)

    Toronto gives up a top defenseman but gets a good hard nosed winger a good center and a solid d man.

    Philly gives up a scoring winger and solid d man but gets a great tendy a defensive prospect who could learn under pronger and a scoring winger.

    LA gets a top d man and a top winger and gives up simmonds who can be replaced by Clifford. Stoll who can be replaced by schenn and teubert who is gonna get passed by forbort.

    Kings then sign Turco for two years to back up bernier.

    Lineup looks like this:

    Gagne. Kopitar. Williams

    Smyth. Schenn. Brown

    Clifford. Handzus. Richardson

    Westgarth. Lewis. Parse

    Doughty. Kaberle
    Johnson. Greene
    Scuderi. Hickey

    Bernier
    Turco

    Solid….. And save the dough from kovy

    [Reply]

    wavesinair Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:04 am

    No way.

    [Reply]

    Hat Trick Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:04 am

    @Brent M,

    Appreciate the effort. Somehow the math (give up 4 for 2 with no significant improvement) and the chemistry equation doesn’t make sense.

    [Reply]

    d b cooper Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:08 am

    @Brent M,

    ah, brent, NO.

    i would trade dustin straight up for Kaberle. then look to our prospects or trades to find another 20 goal scorer, or 2.

    [Reply]

    OneTimer Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    @d b cooper,

    Oops – make that 6 KIDS!

    Wow. No way.

    [Reply]

    OneTimer Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 11:59 am

    @Brent M,

    Not overly thrilled with the return- and a little too much “banking” on the kids (4 of them?!) in the starting lineup.

    Granted our kids are GOOD – but they’re still just kids/prospects at this point in time. I see this deal as a potential step backwards at least for a season and a half.

    [Reply]

    OneTimer Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 12:39 pm

    Oops – make that 6 KIDS!

    Wow. No way.

    [Reply]

  36. 22Sargent says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:54 am

    I’m not saying that Kovalchuk is worth $10 million (I could maybe see $8-$8.5 million max) but I have to say that, to me, there’s a difference between having a guy who can score 40-50 (“sniper”) and 3 players who can score 15-20 (“”) for the same money. First of all, if you add the one sniper then you still have the two other roster spots that will probably provide a minimum of 5-10 goals each. Also, when you have a sniper, they demand additional attention from the other team which will give other players on your team more opportunity to do what they can do better. In addition, in many instances, because of the accuracy of their shots, goalies can be out of position more frequently for rebound shots. Finally, although this might not be the case with IK, many snipers can help you win shootout games.

    [Reply]

    Guitpik Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:29 am

    @22Sargent,

    The other side of the sniper coin is that their linemates tend to rely too heavily on them. They tend to pass too much rather than shooting the puck themselves.

    Snipers tend not to do the dirty work in the corners and then float in the defensive zone. Putting more pressure on their on-ice teammates.

    [Reply]

  37. B. says:
    July 5, 2010 at 9:55 am

    Why I think the Kings are out of it. If IK wants his 100 mil he will sign with NYI. If he decides that winning is more important he will sign with NJ as opposed to LA because even though LA has the better future, NJ has a more proven track record with thier GM, plus he has played in NJ and is more comfortable with that team. So my guess would be he signs in NJ for 7-8 mil a year for 10 plus years.

    [Reply]

    blckbsct Reply:
    July 5th, 2010 at 10:07 am

    @B., plus he has a fellow Russian in Volchenkov.

    [Reply]

  38. poe says:
    July 5, 2010 at 10:00 am

    I don’t forsee a tattoo on Kovi’s butt. Do you?
    No sports figure is worth the millions being paid and demsnded. Is it no wonder why we get such poor choices for president when his salary is mere chump change to these athletes?

    [Reply]

  39. KellyHrudey says:
    July 5, 2010 at 10:00 am

    Hot off the press on nhl.com
    http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=533787

    Kovalchuk’s agent has stated a decision will be made today…

    [Reply]

  40. johnjuan says:
    July 5, 2010 at 10:01 am

    I would love to have Kovi but nobody is worth a 100 million dollar contract.

    Let the Islanders have him!

    [Reply]

  41. kingo says:
    July 5, 2010 at 10:05 am

    Could this be a ploy by Lombardi? Me thinks… In fact.. I would bet on the fact that Mr. Kovalchuk and agent are on a conference call as we speak.

    Timing seems suspect to me. One minute Lombardi says “out” next agent says we will “decide” today… Hmmm Interesting… Perhaps Kovy has wanted to come here all along and Grossman is just trying to pull in more dough. Kovy calls him and says. “dude” what happened to my LA offer??

    Just saying.

    [Reply]

  42. Bear777 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 10:09 am

    Kovi was nevwr coming to la, its all big plot w Phily to get Kovi and we get a couple guys incl Carter. We dont want Kovi, not a playoff guy

    [Reply]

  43. SHURIK2063 says:
    July 5, 2010 at 10:16 am

    All i can say about Kovolchuk….. GREEDY, SELFISH,ONE DIMENSIONAL. Go to KHL grab as much rubles as you can and try to enjoy it. P.S. you do not have to come back!!!

    [Reply]

  44. Guitpik says:
    July 5, 2010 at 10:42 am

    In my opinion, by Dean walking away from the demands of the Kovalchuk camp, he is sending a message to each member of the Los Angeles Kings:

    “Ilia Kovalchuk is NOT more important than you.”

    I believe this is the right move by Dean. With Kovalchuk’s big contract it’s likely that parts of the core team will have to be sacrificed. Without, he still has flexibility to retain players and make any necessary changes. Also, he isn’t handcuffed while working within a dynamic cap number.

    I believe which ever team ends up signing Kovalchuk will be lamenting it after three years, or so.

    Nice job, Dean.

    [Reply]

  45. MR King says:
    July 5, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Someone should call this movie “500 Days of Kovalchuk”.

    [Reply]

  46. Seeker says:
    July 13, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    As far as Kovi and money is concerned, if he took a little less- long term, I believe being in the LA market
    he would make up for that and more in endorsements and investment deals. Hes going to be there a long time too create an empire in beautiful weather, a damn good team,and good family enviroment. What an IDIOT he is if he goes to another team for a little more

    [Reply]

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