Ilya Kovalchuk

It looks like the Devils were more worried about a defensive game than an Ilya Kovalchuk game.

 New Jersey got one of the best shot-blockers in the league.  But don't think that the team is the only winner here; Volchenkov has to be happy that he won't have to block those Brian Rolston bombs anymore.  The Russian defenseman was yet another piece that the Devils knew they needed.  He really brings more of a competitive edge to New Jersey as the league's best shot-blocker.

Continue reading "New Jersey Devils Sign Anton Volchenkov ..."

; But you really have to ponder over how often us hockey bloggers are actually correct.

-Ilya Kovalchuk is easily the biggest name available in this year's free-agency period.  Considering his rejection of a huge contract extension in Atlanta and his inability to move the Devils past the first round of the playoffs, Kovalchuk will most likely be playing in yet another new city.  This player thrives on open rink and finding holes, so expect him to stay in the high-flying East.  He will be getting a raise from his current $6.39 million/year salary, especially considering the Sharks just gave Patrick Marleau, a less-talented scoring forward, a contract worth $27.6 million spanning over four seasons. Teams will be reaching deep into their pocket books for this guy.  But don't take Kovalchuk's rejection to Atlanta personal; the guy wants to win.  Teams with cap room to spare and a will to capture hockey's holy grail will be the front-runner's for Kovalchuk's services.

Continue reading "Free Agency Spoilers"

yuk, Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit Red Wings)

Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)

Ilya Kovalchuk (New Jersey Devils)

Marian Gaborik (New York Rangers)

Daniel Alfredsson (Ottawa Senators)

Continue reading "Is Oshie Truly 'Untouchable'?"

n going into Olympic Men's Hockey may be if the Russians play Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Ilya Kovalchuk on the same line or not.  Doug sees this as being the biggest powerhouse line if it happens, and says that you cannot easily defend against the NHL all-stars.

Continue reading "A Chat with Doug Stolhand of the Puck Podcast"

If we're going to make a deal, I'd much rather go for a forward. The Thrashers' Ilya Kovalchuk could be had for the right price. He's still young (turns 26 in April) as opposed to Pronger who will turn 35 in October. Kovalchuk could probably be had for a first round pick and maybe a top prospect. If we could then sign him to an extension, he'd definitely be worth it. He could tutor Perron, Oshie, and Berglund in addition to scoring 40+ goals a year. He's scored that many goals in each of his last four seasons and has gotten to 50 in two of those. 

Continue reading "The Blues with the Trade Deadline looming"