As much as I’d like to tell you otherwise — believe me, I’d like nothing more — there’s just nothing to indicate that there’s any finality in the Kings-Kovalchuk situation. I had good reason to believe there would be resolution tonight, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. To reiterate, as soon as I [...]

Kings officials are maintaining their public silence this morning/early afternoon, although I suspect that either way, this Ilya Kovalchuk saga is unlikely to go to a 14th day. Just as soon as there is any news to be posted, it will be posted…

The Kings, so far, have declined comment about today’s meetings with Ilya Kovalchuk and his agent, which, for all we know, could still be ongoing (especially if Dean Lombardi broke out his charts). I’m still hoping for a phone call with some insight, but for now, just wanted to let everyone know that there’s nothing [...]

Just a couple things as we hopefully creep toward some type of resolution on this Ilya Kovalchuk situation… Most importantly, there is no deal in place and there is no press conference scheduled. If you follow college sports, think of this as a version of a recruiting trip, a chance to talk face to face. [...]

Here’s the quote from Dean Lombardi, in regard to reports that Ilya Kovalchuk will visit Los Angeles and/or sign with the Kings… “Kovalchuk is only coming here for a visit,” Lombardi said. “It is a great opportunity for him to meet us and us to meet him. Reports of us announcing a signing tomorrow are [...]

I’m aware of the Twitter report from Rogers Sportsnet’s Daren Millard that the Kings have won “the process” for Ilya Kovalchuk and will announce tomorrow. No confirmation yet. One strong team source has just said that there is “continued engagement,” but that no announcement is imminent. Updates will be forthcoming if necessary.

What do NHL players do during the summer? Well, lots of different things, but few are quite as ambitious as Jack Johnson, who is working toward his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan. Johnson turned pro after his sophomore year but has since been taking classes every summer toward his degree, a program he [...]

It’s Baseball Night for the Kings. Dustin Brown is at Dodger Stadium tonight for the Kings’ “My Town” promotion and is scheduled to throw out the first pitch before the game against the Cubs. Having never seen Brown swing a bat, I’m fairly confident in saying he could crack the Cubs’ starting lineup this year. [...]

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 [...]

I recently started reading a new book called “Money Players,” by Bruce Dowbiggin, which chronicles the NHL’s salary structure from the ’40s and ’50s through the end of the 2004-05 lockout. It’s a very interesting read, and since I don’t know the author, that’s not just a shameless plug. Anyway, early in the book, Dowbiggin [...]

The latest Kings/Kovalchuk twist took place tonight, when team governor Tim Leiweke entered the fray and told the L.A. Times that the latest proposal from the Kovalchuk camp did not fit within the team’s financial structure. “We really would love to add Kovi to our team, but not at the cost of our good young [...]

When will Kovalchuk sign?survey software

In response an inquiry about the possibility of anything happening tonight, in terms of a resolution to the Ilya Kovalchuk situation, Dean Lombardi responded with, “Nothing – have a nice evening.” How polite! So as the Kings mull over a counter-offer from the Kovalchuk camp, we’ll wait another day. If the Kings counter the counter, [...]

One day, there might be a good book written about this Ilya Kovalchuk story. Only problem is, nobody will be able to follow the plot. To the best of my knowledge, the Kings have not made an offer on Kovalchuk since late Friday afternoon, when they presented a long-term contract that would keep the cap [...]

There are strong reports that the Kings are once again talking with Jay Grossman, Ilya Kovalchuk’s agent. Remember, it’s all a big poker game. The Kings never once said they were “out” of the picture, and our 24/7 media culture is a great way to publicly negotiate and influence opinion. Anyway, I’ll pass along more [...]

The sad news yesterday was that former NHLer Bob Probert died at age 45, of causes still unknown. Probert finished his NHL career with 3,300 penalty minutes in 935 games, so to honor Probert in a way that he would probably appreciate, the Kings’ website presented two of his classic fights against the Kings, against [...]

I’m not even certain if this qualifies as news anymore. At this point, I’m truly confused as to what qualifies as news. But in response to my semi-rhetorical question about Ilya Kovalchuk’s “choices,” Dean Lombardi responded with, “We are not a choice.” So take that for what it’s worth, and my apologies to those who [...]

Jay Grossman, Ilya Kovalchuk’s agent, has announced via Twitter that Kovalchuk’s “choices have been narrowed down, details to be finalized but no announcement tonight.” All those surprised, please raise your hands. Anyone? Hands? (EDIT: And, if you want to add to the insanity, Pierre LeBrun is now reporting that the Kings might again have some [...]

In actual Kings news… Brad Richardson was the Kings’ only restricted free agent eligible to file for salary arbitration, and he did so today. The Kings and Richardson are still allowed to reach agreement on a contract, but if they don’t, an arbitration hearing will be held sometime between July 20-Aug. 5 in Toronto. Richardson [...]

As has been noted, Jay Grossman, Kovalchuk’s agent, has “tweeted” that Kovalchuk is looking to make his decision today. A quick text from Dean Lombardi just encouraged me to “take the day off.” Well, thanks. It’s a nice thought, anyway. Common sense dictates that if Kovalchuk really is making his decision today, it would seem [...]