5 potential locations for Ilya Kovalchuk after his contract is terminated by Kings

It’s over. Lower than 18 months right into a three-year, $18.75-million contract, a deal beneath which Ilya Kovalchuk suited up in simply 81 video games for Los Angeles, the Kings have formally positioned the 36-year-old on waivers for the aim of terminating his contract. And are available tomorrow, the as soon as star NHL scorer can be free to seek out himself a brand new residence.
That is all the results of a failed experiment between the 2 sides, one which flopped so spectacularly that the Kings and Kovalchuk finally parting methods is an concept that has been bandied about for the higher a part of the previous yr. Although it’s a match that labored at first – Kovalchuk scored 14 factors in his first 16 video games in Los Angeles – a pair of teaching modifications resulted in diminishing taking part in time for the veteran winger and a subsequent downturn in his manufacturing. Throughout the ultimate 48 video games through which he appeared final season, Kovalchuk mustered 11 targets and 20 factors, and his three targets and 9 factors in 17 video games this season put him on the trail to a different underwhelming season.
His output this season, after all, all got here earlier than Kovalchuk and the Kings got here to an early November determination to take him out of the lineup. Although he has remained skating with the crew, not as soon as since Nov. 9 has he seen sport motion, and it was understood at that time that there have been solely two programs of motion: both the Kings discover a strategy to re-home former NHL goal-scoring champion or Los Angeles finally terminates Kovalchuk’s deal. Now we all know which method the 2 sides are continuing, although it’s not all that shocking given there have been prone to be few groups keen to surrender an asset or assume the cap hit related to taking up the struggling scorer.
However now that the saga between Kovalchuk and the Kings is in its last hours, it’s value asking what comes subsequent. The place will Kovalchuk find yourself now that his time in Los Angeles has come to an finish?
Columbus Blue JacketsGiven they’re solely 9 factors again of the second wild-card spot, the Blue Jackets aren’t all the best way out of the playoff hunt, however their hopes are fading as the results of an offense that has been among the many league’s worst. Solely three groups, the lottery-contending Detroit Crimson Wings and New Jersey Devils, have scored fewer targets per sport than Columbus’ 2.47 and that the Blue Jackets have iced one of many league’s worst energy performs has carried out them few favors. At 17.three p.c, the Blue Jackets’ success price with the person benefit is healthier than that of solely 10 groups. Not ultimate.
So, why not test in on Kovalchuk? Whereas he received’t be a top-tier producer, he can carry out as a secondary piece and an influence play specialist. Put him within the function of triggerman and use him in a lot the identical method somebody resembling Thomas Vanek, who additionally occurs to be a free agent, has been used in recent times.
It’s a touchdown spot that might work, too, as a result of Columbus has greater than sufficient cap area to take the chance. With greater than $10.6 million with which to work, the Blue Jackets can abdomen signing Kovalchuk, even when he flops.
Dallas StarsSpeaking of goal-starved playoff hopefuls, the Stars discover themselves in a wild-card spot and tied with the Winnipeg Jets for the ultimate divisional playoff spot within the Central. Nevertheless, if Dallas needs to fantastic tune its roster and deal with its greatest concern, the shortage of constant scoring, possibly including Kovalchuk can be a technique to take action.
Now, given his leads to Los Angeles, it’s secure to say we’re now not going to see the Kovalchuk that used to shred opposing netminders for 30-some targets per season. Very like the Blue Jackets may doubtlessly use Kovalchuk in a secondary scoring function, although, the Stars may do the identical, and that extends to the facility play. Getting into into motion Monday, there are solely seven groups who’ve had much less success on the facility play than Dallas, who’re working at 16.four p.c with the person benefit.
Including some additional scoring punch may go a great distance for the Stars, too. All however three of Dallas’ 11 losses this season have been by a single objective. The dearth of scoring has value them dearly.
Florida PanthersWith hypothesis surrounding the Panthers curiosity in Taylor Corridor – who has since been dealt to the Arizona Coyotes – it might appear as if the Cats are keen on including one other offensive piece to an already pretty deep assault. And who may blame the Panthers for trying into their choices? Whereas they’ve a deadly prime six, which incorporates the dynamite duo of Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, the underside six is definitely missing stable secondary scoring choices. However possibly Kovalchuk’s availability modifications that.
What’s difficult about Florida, nevertheless, is discovering a strategy to maneuver across the wage cap. Panthers GM Dale Tallon may do some cap gymnastics and shuffle some wage to the minors to release some room, and that is perhaps what’s mandatory if Kovalchuk is to move to the Panthers. With barely lower than $900,000 in out there spending room, Florida isn’t flush with cap area. However including Kovalchuk and placing him alongside a Colton Sceviour or Brian Boyle is perhaps a technique so as to add to the underside half of the assault.
New York IslandersSitting proper close to the highest of the Jap Convention, seven factors again of the Metropolitan-leading Washington Capitals and solely two behind the Atlantic-leading Boston Bruins, the Islanders are primed to be consumers this season. One space that’s positive to be addressed, too, is depth scoring. Whereas New York has acquired some contributions from Michael Dal Colle, discovering a greater – and extra productive – fourth-line match might be helpful when it comes right down to the time of yr when each single objective counts for that rather more.
There’s an apparent connection that may be drawn between the Islanders and Kovlachuk, too, within the type of GM Lou Lamoriello. It was throughout his time as GM of the New Jersey Devils that Lamoriello inked Kovalchuk to the large 15-year, $100-million deal that was nullified when the winger voluntarily retired to move to the KHL. There doesn’t appear to be any dangerous blood in any respect between the present Islanders architect and the veteran winger, and that might imply that there’s room for a reunion.
Avangard Omsk (KHL)Forward of the weekend, Sport-Specific’ Igor Eronko reported that Kovalchuk wished to stay within the NHL however would have a “profitable supply” on the desk from Omsk. It’s anybody’s guess as to what the phrases of that supply can be, however it goes with out saying that the Jap Convention contending Russian facet can be keen to pay as much as deliver Kovalchuk aboard. His familiarity with the league would virtually make sure that he’d be capable to hit the bottom operating within the KHL, and that he’s not too far faraway from a pair of standout, 30-plus objective, 60-plus level seasons is all of the extra cause for the KHL membership to take an opportunity on the veteran.
If he’s to move again to Russia, although, the query is how lengthy it will likely be earlier than he decides there’s no spot for him within the NHL. The KHL season is greater than midway within the books and the post-season begins in March. Kovalchuk won’t have lengthy to make his determination if he needs to get located earlier than the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
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Tags: l. a. kings, listsConnect: Concerning the AuthorJared ClintonJared Clinton is a author and internet editor with The Hockey Information. He is been with the crew since 2014. He was born, raised and resides in Winnipeg, the place he will be discovered lacking the online on out of doors rinks throughout city.