The question in the title refers to the one and only, Ilya Kovalchuk.
Yes, Kovalchuk is a player who can score between 40 and 50 goals. Yes, Kovalchuk is a player that can excite the crowd with an electrifying move or a quick shot. And yes, Kovalchuk is certainly a player that can make any team better.
However, who does he think he is by asking for a ridiculously long contract whether it was with the New Jersey Devils or Los Angeles Kings? Does Kovalchuk realize that teams have to abide by a salary cap? Do he and NHL general managers realize that in the “new” NHL, it’s sometimes not worth it to sacrifice a prospect’s potential roster spot? Also, does Kovalchuk know that he has not won anything at the NHL level?
Again, I know that Ilya is a terrific player who can dazzle us game in and game out. However, when looking at the big picture, it’s all about winning the Stanley Cup. Kovalchuk has yet to win a playoff round with either the Atlanta Thrashers (qualified for the playoffs once while he was in Atlanta) or even the New Jersey Devils; and in my eyes, that says a lot.
Sure, maybe it was tough to win a series with the Thrashers but there was no excuse to not win one with the Devils. Obviously, losing to the Philadelphia Flyers was not all his fault but he definitely had a part in it.
With all this being said, realistically, what kind of deal should be offered to Kovalchuk? When you answer that question, remember to ask yourself “How much is he worth to my team?”
To sum up, I want to know why Kovalchuk is asking for so much money when in the end, he may not end up being worth it. Who does he think he is?
Photo credit: Getty Images
There is something to be said here and thanks Patrick for the great insight but one thing remains and that is the Devils Advocate point of view. I have said my take on this many times and will make this very simple. Mats Sundin 2.0 people. The decision may not involve retirement and I still believe Sundin was never going to retire. It came down to Vancouver or New York, ironicaly East and West Coast are battling again here (NJ and all three California teams possibly). The bottom line is until Ilya Kovalchuk signs on the bottom line, the MSM, bloggers, fans, and etc. just have to take our medicine and wait until he signs on the dotted line.
There are also people who really know what is going on here. I cannot say I know everything in this situation in particular but I do get a bit irritated when people spout off with all the facts. The advice is to let this play out and then we can armchair hockey this later. Thoughts and comments? Have at it people!
