After one week…

There’s one bottom line to the Ilya Kovalchuk situation: on July 1, at 9 a.m. Pacific time, he became a free agent and negotiations began. When he signs his name on a contract, negotiations will end. Everything else is the Hokey Pokey. In, out, in, shake all about, etc. The Kings have made at least two offers to Kovalchuk. They have received one counter-offer, which they rejected. They have elected, at this moment, to not make another offer. There’s nothing to say that negotiations couldn’t start again in five minutes, or to say that Kovalchuk couldn’t sign with New Jersey or the KHL, although the Kings have requested to be kept “in the loop,” so to speak, about any long-term or short-term contract possibilities involving Kovalchuk. The Kings have trade options, which they would be able to explore when the Kovalchuk situation is resolved. I’m satisfied with who I have communicated with, the facts I’ve received and the ability to present facts going forward. As always, thanks for the patience and readership. It’s been long week, but I appreciate that everyone is able to talk and debate while staying civil. That’s much appreciated!