Report: Kovalchuk To Montreal Or Toronto?

[flames4eva]

Same here, as much as I'd like to pick up a player like Kovalchuk or Gaborik, people tend to forget that either one would come at a pretty steep price, a Higgins or quite possibly one or both of the Kostitsyns......and I think all three are great players none of whome have hit their peek as far as I'm concered.......also too Montreal is 9-1-1 they've been scoring about four goals a game on a consistant basis....and from what I saw on Saturday night the Kovalev Plekanec Andrei Kostitsyn line is starting to get it into high gear..so why the heck do we need another scorer when we have three pretty decent scoring lines, and anyways a guy like Kovalchuk (as good as he is) might come in and ruin our team chemistry anyways, also a player like Kovalchuk might not always make a team better IMO.....

By the way everyone talks about us needing a elite goal scorer....wasn't it Atlanta who had two elite goal scorers in Hossa and Kovalchuk for like two seasons in a row (including last season for the most part)......did it make a difference for them?? no it did not, and would it for us? I doubt it....I am very happy for the most part with the team we have...atleast until the trade deadline I say put these trade rumors to rest

Montreal is currentlt 8-1-1... but yes a team with two great players doesn't necessarily guarantee anything. However it is the supporting cast that makes that difference. Montreal would have that supporting cast and then some IMO... even with the eventulity of Saku and Kovalev moving on at some point in the next two to three years. There are players with very good NHL potential in the pipeline and through other acquistions, be it via draft or UFA signings the team will not truly suffer in such a move... again IMO.

Losing the Kos-Bros although seemingly drastic is not as bad as it would seem the way I see it.

First off, A.Kostitsyn will never be a Kovachuk IMO but will be an excellent second line player (not top three)... and S.Kostitsyn is currently no better than a third liner, if actually that in terms of experience. Higgins will get the nod on the second line mostly because of tenure and experience (he was also a higher draft pick to begin with). I doubt the Habs would have to part with all three in any case. If one Kos-Bro goes I believe that the other goes too.

The remainder of any deal would only see a future draft-pick of an unknown quality, perhaps a prospect (I'm sure BG would not part with our best in this case) and some salary dump of players on the bubble.

For that I'd make the trade if the dollars fit.

[concreteveins]

Actually, this works:

I wouldn't trade both Kostitsyn's for Kovalchuck. Never...

[romy22]

BG wouldn't trade 4 'elements' for Hossa when the opportunity came last year at the deadline....the team we have now is playing better than that team was at that time.

Hossa > Kovalchuk? Yes?

why would BG trade 4 elements now?

[GreekHockeyCoach]

BG wouldn't trade 4 'elements' for Hossa when the opportunity came last year at the deadline....the team we have now is playing better than that team was at that time.

Hossa > Kovalchuk? Yes?

why would BG trade 4 elements now?

I would agree that Hossa is a better all around player but Kovalchuk is a pure scorer. Besides, it was a different situation with Hossa, he'd just be a rental player for a few months. Kovalchuk is signed till 2009-2010.

[jl-1]

Waddell has denied any rumours he is discussing Kovalchuk

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/atl081103.html

Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell denied a report suggesting he has been entertaining offers for superstar sniper Ilya Kovalchuk.

Russian newspaper Sport-Express reported last week that the Thrashers have received inquiries about Kovalchuk's availability, claiming the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs have spoken to Waddell.

Waddell said he was aware of the report but told the Toronto Star it was "a wild rumor. I have no interest in trading Ilya."

Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher also denied pursuing Kovalchuk.

"I can absolutely tell you there has been no conversations about any player with Atlanta, let alone the player you mentioned," Fletcher told the Star.

Kovalchuk, who has indicated his discontent with the Thrashers' small crowds, has two-years remaining on his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2009-10 season.

Fletcher, meanwhile, indicated that trade talk around the league is relatively minimal and he doesn't expect discussions to heat up until December.

"It's not like trades are happening around us," he said. "Usually you get to the 20-, 25-game mark before trades start happening."

Thank you!

[fourtrax]

I wouldn't trade both Kostitsyn's for Kovalchuck. Never...

I would. You get Kovalchuk now and he is only 25 years old. Sign him to a six-year deal and that is six years of a top sniper making the red light go on. The next time he hits free agency, he's still only 31!

Regarding possible attitude issues, I haven't heard anything regarding Kovalchuk. Sure, he's not very happy with the state of the Atlanta franchise, but really, would you be? Would anyone of us be if we were playing on that trainwreck of a team which doesn't even own its AHL affiliate?

[flames4eva]

I would. You get Kovalchuk now and he is only 25 years old. Sign him to a six-year deal and that is six years of a top sniper making the red light go on. The next time he hits free agency, he's still only 31!

Regarding possible attitude issues, I haven't heard anything regarding Kovalchuk. Sure, he's not very happy with the state of the Atlanta franchise, but really, would you be? Would anyone of us be if we were playing on that trainwreck of a team which doesn't even own its AHL affiliate?

I like this way of thinking

[Bourne]

It would seem a number of people here want allstar players however few seem willing to part with anyone beyond salary dumps. Are the Kostitsyn brothers good? Of course. Are they Kovalchuk? Not even close; by pure estimation Kovalchuk is over 80% more likely to out point both brothers combined. This is subject to change given we do not know the development of either brother, yet the proof is there. We are never going to acquire the pieces we need without losing some of our favorite players.

I imagine the only players immune to trading rumors are Carey Price, Andrei Markov and Saku Koivu.

[GreekHockeyCoach]

It would seem a number of people here want allstar players however few seem willing to part with anyone beyond salary dumps. Are the Kostitsyn brothers good? Of course. Are they Kovalchuk? Not even close; by pure estimation Kovalchuk is over 80% more likely to out point both brothers combined. This is subject to change given we do not know the development of either brother, yet the proof is there. We are never going to acquire the pieces we need without losing some of our favorite players.

I imagine the only players immune to trading rumors are Carey Price, Andrei Markov and Saku Koivu.

Let's not forget Chris Higgins

[jl-1]

It would seem a number of people here want allstar players however few seem willing to part with anyone beyond salary dumps. Are the Kostitsyn brothers good? Of course. Are they Kovalchuk? Not even close; by pure estimation Kovalchuk is over 80% more likely to out point both brothers combined. This is subject to change given we do not know the development of either brother, yet the proof is there. We are never going to acquire the pieces we need without losing some of our favorite players.

I imagine the only players immune to trading rumors are Carey Price, Andrei Markov and Saku Koivu.

Although I understand what you're saying, one of the key problems with Atlanta right now is quality depth. They have the all-star and aren't winning. In adding both brothers, they add two potential star players (Andrei is very close to being one already). It wouldn't help them much this year but a high draft pick would, and that could be the next Kovalchuk. I think such a trade could be beneficial to the Thrashers. Heck, the Kostitsyn's are a heck of a lot better than Christensen and Armstrong, who they got from Pittsburgh!

But it won't happen. Everyone involved is denying it, as it was yet another pipe-dream created by the internet monster it has become.

[GreekHockeyCoach]

Although I understand what you're saying, one of the key problems with Atlanta right now is quality depth. They have the all-star and aren't winning. In adding both brothers, they add two potential star players (Andrei is very close to being one already). It wouldn't help them much this year but a high draft pick would, and that could be the next Kovalchuk. I think such a trade could be beneficial to the Thrashers. Heck, the Kostitsyn's are a heck of a lot better than Christensen and Armstrong, who they got from Pittsburgh!

But it won't happen. Everyone involved is denying it, as it was yet another pipe-dream created by the internet monster it has become.

The trade will happen eventually, maybe not with the Habs but down the road, most likely this year, Kovalchuk will be shopped. Atlanta is struggling, they won't get any better, even with a superstar like Kovalchuk they're just getting worse and worse. They need to rebuild and the fastest way to do so is to shop their best player because we all know that we won't stick around after he becomes a UFA, no matter how much money they offer him.

Would it be ideal for them to make the suggested trade involving the Kosti bros, absolutely. Thing is, would Gainey ever offer them up?

[EtLeBut]

Listen, I think it would be TOTALLY ridiculus and stupid to give away a lot of good talent for one guy. Kovalchuk is a great player and natural scorer, but I just don't think he is worth what the Habs would have to give up. Besides, what if he came to Montreal and then got injured. Who would fill in for him then? The Habs have a legitimate run at the cup this year. We are only 10 games into the season with a great start and so many people on this forum seem to have no problem dismantling this team for just one guy. Have some faith in this team!!

[franck5890]

I'm just not sure I see good ol' Gainey pulling the trigger on something so dramatic. The thought of Kovalchuk sure is tantalizing (and I would even give up Sergei+Andrei, two players I highly covet as Kovalchuk will be a bonafide top-10 player for quite some time), but it doesn't seem like a Gainey move even if it seems plausible.

[Rocket-1]

Kovalchuk will be on the market coming the trade deadline, but Waddell isn't that stupid to say he is right now, he might only have a few thousands season ticket holder, but why would you say to the small amount of fans that you got, well ladies and gentlemen were trading the only player that we got, because he won't sign with us at the end of next year.

[Bourne]

Although I understand what you're saying, one of the key problems with Atlanta right now is quality depth. They have the all-star and aren't winning. In adding both brothers, they add two potential star players (Andrei is very close to being one already). It wouldn't help them much this year but a high draft pick would, and that could be the next Kovalchuk. I think such a trade could be beneficial to the Thrashers. Heck, the Kostitsyn's are a heck of a lot better than Christensen and Armstrong, who they got from Pittsburgh!

But it won't happen. Everyone involved is denying it, as it was yet another pipe-dream created by the internet monster it has become.

I believe you misread my implication. I was insinuating that we should trade for Kovalchuk, even if it were to cost us the Kostitsyn brothers and was stating that people on this board seem far too attached to our current roster, only offering throw aways and expecting amazing returns. Unfortunately I cannot foresee Gainey making any deals despite our powerplay woes and this is quite a concern of mine because we are not a cup contender based upon our late few games yet the coaching staff seems to turn a blind eye to this; although Carbo apparently tore the team something fierce during second intermission of the Long Island game.

[flamesgal1]

Montreal is currentlt 8-1-1... but yes a team with two great players doesn't necessarily guarantee anything. However it is the supporting cast that makes that difference. Montreal would have that supporting cast and then some IMO... even with the eventulity of Saku and Kovalev moving on at some point in the next two to three years. There are players with very good NHL potential in the pipeline and through other acquistions, be it via draft or UFA signings the team will not truly suffer in such a move... again IMO.

Losing the Kos-Bros although seemingly drastic is not as bad as it would seem the way I see it.

First off, A.Kostitsyn will never be a Kovachuk IMO but will be an excellent second line player (not top three)... and S.Kostitsyn is currently no better than a third liner, if actually that in terms of experience. Higgins will get the nod on the second line mostly because of tenure and experience (he was also a higher draft pick to begin with). I doubt the Habs would have to part with all three in any case. If one Kos-Bro goes I believe that the other goes too.

The remainder of any deal would only see a future draft-pick of an unknown quality, perhaps a prospect (I'm sure BG would not part with our best in this case) and some salary dump of players on the bubble.

For that I'd make the trade if the dollars fit.

Actually ...A Kostysyn was a higher draft pick than Higgens...AK was considered by alot of scouts to be the best player in the draft that year...but because they believed he had a serious problem he fell in the draft.

And why I would rather another package of players other than the Kostysns is because AK And Sk (not meaning veterans, but inclusive of our young talent) are the more skilled players we have on our team.

They are are extremely good at moving and dishing the puck off just what a pure goal scorer like Kovalchuk would need.

Higgens is probably one of my favorite players and I thing he is still underated..But I would prefer to have him moved in a package for the likes of Kovalchuk then either of the Kostitsyns. If you could keep Higgens and the Kost Brother and Package a player like lats, mcdonough and some draft picks I would even prefer that more

We have depth that can fill the hole left by Higgens -- but skill wise I don't think it would be as esy as if we lose the Kostysyns.

[leafs_rock_go_mccabe]

The idea of getting Kovalchuk is pretty exciting, however far-fetched. I wonder if he has the right "team mentality" to play with our tight-knit group of guys, though? Montreal is greater than the sum of its parts, not the other way around. The only loss that would devastate Montreal would probably be Markov; and he is soft-spoken, quiet, and not getting paid anywhere near his market value. This doesn't put him in any sort of spotlight. He's in the spotlight because he's mad good. Kovalchuk seems more like the type of player whose agent is going to negotiate a top-dollar deal, even though Kovalchuk has never accomplished anything in the post-season, because he puts up lots of points for an Atlanta team that has no one else to put up points. What's better? Having a team of good players who all contribute and take the team into the playoffs, or having an amazingly skilled player who has never accomplished the job with his current club? Can we have both? It would be incredible if we could!

[flames4eva]

Actually ...A Kostysyn was a higher draft pick than Higgens...AK was considered by alot of scouts to be the best player in the draft that year...but because they believed he had a serious problem he fell in the draft.

And why I would rather another package of players other than the Kostysns is because AK And Sk (not meaning veterans, but inclusive of our young talent) are the more skilled players we have on our team.

They are are extremely good at moving and dishing the puck off just what a pure goal scorer like Kovalchuk would need.

Higgens is probably one of my favorite players and I thing he is still underated..But I would prefer to have him moved in a package for the likes of Kovalchuk then either of the Kostitsyns. If you could keep Higgens and the Kost Brother and Package a player like lats, mcdonough and some draft picks I would even prefer that more

We have depth that can fill the hole left by Higgens -- but skill wise I don't think it would be as esy as if we lose the Kostysyns.

I knew that... the reference was towards S.Kostitsyn.

[animerules1x3]

Actually ...A Kostysyn was a higher draft pick than Higgens...AK was considered by alot of scouts to be the best player in the draft that year...but because they believed he had a serious problem he fell in the draft.

And why I would rather another package of players other than the Kostysns is because AK And Sk (not meaning veterans, but inclusive of our young talent) are the more skilled players we have on our team.

They are are extremely good at moving and dishing the puck off just what a pure goal scorer like Kovalchuk would need.

Higgens is probably one of my favorite players and I thing he is still underated..But I would prefer to have him moved in a package for the likes of Kovalchuk then either of the Kostitsyns. If you could keep Higgens and the Kost Brother and Package a player like lats, mcdonough and some draft picks I would even prefer that more

We have depth that can fill the hole left by Higgens -- but skill wise I don't think it would be as esy as if we lose the Kostysyns.

MMW McDonagh is going to be worth way more than both Kostitsyns together, no matter how we love them now.

Trading him now is basically throwing a wrench in our future. Our D will cost plenty and we will eventually need to let some go, then we will have to replace them. With what, if we sacrifice our very best D (and all-around) prospect ?

All this for a player that we could use, but who isn't by any means a need.

[fourtrax]

MMW McDonagh is going to be worth way more than both Kostitsyns together, no matter how we love them now.

I simply don't see how you can make that kind of assertion. I like McDonagh a lot, but he is years away from even competing for a Habs roster spot.

[animerules1x3]

I simply don't see how you can make that kind of assertion. I like McDonagh a lot, but he is years away from even competing for a Habs roster spot.

I think we can trust TT by now. And he publictly said that McDo was much closer to the NHL than people would think, when he drafted him.

[fourtrax]

I think we can trust TT by now. And he publictly said that McDo was much closer to the NHL than people would think, when he drafted him.

But Trevor Timmins has never said that Ryan McDonagh is more valuable than both the Kostitsyns put together. That's the statement I object to. You're comparing two of our current roster players to a kid who has yet to play a game of pro hockey at the AHL level, let alone the NHL, and saying he'll be more valuable than them even though they play different positions. I just feel that it's almost impossible to deliver that kind of assessment, and it's certainly nothing that scouts would use in their player evaluations.

As for McDo being closer to the NHL than people think, Timmins is merely saying he won't take as long to develop as other D prospects. That doesn't mean McDo isn't still years away from the NHL, and even further away from being an impact player on our team.

[DA_Champion]

I simply don't see how you can make that kind of assertion. I like McDonagh a lot, but he is years away from even competing for a Habs roster spot.

He'll be at the doorsteps next fall.

[2VP]

As the self-proclaimed add to Mr Gainey, I know for a fact that you are all wrong. Come the new year the only outside (the org) acquisition will be a defensemen.

The team is 13th in the NHL in scoring, 8 goals behind the leader, and less games. I consider that pretty good considering they have yet to show their real potential.

I feel sorry for the Leafs on Saturday

[chromedome_mtl]

Nope, because plus-minus doesn't factor in power-play goals. Also, plus-minus is an irrelevant statistic unless you benchmark it against the whole team.

I suppose if your definition of 'good' is selling the farm at the trade deadline to go out in four games in the first round of the playoffs, then yes, the 2006-07 Thrashers were 'good'.

Why make any trade at all? That logic could apply to any player we're trying to acquire. Better to get a sniper when he's in a slump and will thus cost less than when he's tearing up the league and will cost more.

I think we only need to look at what Tanuay is doing so far in his new home to consider the validity of your suggestion of "buy low,sell high" type of thinking in dealing for potential superstars!How often have we seen a big re-birth of talent when a star in a slump finds a new venue to wake up his motivation to excel?For that matter,Lang,I think, is also bringing more than we realistically hoped for when we saw that he was our supposed alternative to Mats"The Saviour"Sunbeen!

To summarize,I'd have to say that you may be on to something !