Kovalchuk Signing Points West For Gagne
Earlier today, it was announced that the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes is finally over, as he has signed on to return to New Jersey.
Per the Devils website:
"Since the free agent signing period began on July 1, almost every day brought new speculation on where the two-time 50-goal scorer might be headed. One of the most coveted unrestricteds in history, Kovalchuk finally ended the suspense Monday, following the Devils' announcement that he’s staying in the Garden State. A 1 p.m. press conference will be held Tuesday at Prudential Center."
This has strong implications for Simon Gagne as well. I predicted here on the blog that Gags would end up with either Los Angeles, New Jersey, or in New York with the Islanders. Now that the Devils have locked up their guy, hockeybuzz.com is reporting that Gagne to Los Angeles for Justin Williams is highly likely at this point.
Both Gagne and Williams have good numbers. When Gagne is healthy, he contributes more, obviously. But that's the trade off with these two. Williams is probably more durable, but not quite as gifted as a scorer. Like I said, it levels them out, and that's fine.
The concern I have is Williams' salary. The Flyers are already 2.4 million over the cap. Trading Gagne puts them 2.6 over. Williams makes 3.5 million a year. So how does this move work for the Flyers? They are losing the better player, and still not satisfying the cap situation.
There has to be another deal in the works, somewhere. Now, i'm not saying that this is going to happen, but the only player making significant money as well as being in the final year of their deal is Jeff Carter. I really don't see them getting rid of both Carter and Gagne in this offseason, but that five plus million off the cap would make life alot easier for Paul Holmgren, who according to sources still wants to resign Darroll Powe, as well as go after a better netminder.
If any more news breaks on the matter, i'll let you all know through the facebook page. Stay tuned...
A favor, if you could
I need your help, folks. I'm trying to grow the readership of this blog as much as possible before the season starts. The bigger the audience, the better. Most of you know me personally, so I feel comfortable telling you that I really want to start pursuing sponsors for the page. It'll allow me to spend more time on the blog, producing a better product. And of course, it helps me personally too. If you could just suggest the facebook page to your friends, it would be a great help. Thanks!
Per the Devils website:
"Since the free agent signing period began on July 1, almost every day brought new speculation on where the two-time 50-goal scorer might be headed. One of the most coveted unrestricteds in history, Kovalchuk finally ended the suspense Monday, following the Devils' announcement that he’s staying in the Garden State. A 1 p.m. press conference will be held Tuesday at Prudential Center."
This has strong implications for Simon Gagne as well. I predicted here on the blog that Gags would end up with either Los Angeles, New Jersey, or in New York with the Islanders. Now that the Devils have locked up their guy, hockeybuzz.com is reporting that Gagne to Los Angeles for Justin Williams is highly likely at this point.
Both Gagne and Williams have good numbers. When Gagne is healthy, he contributes more, obviously. But that's the trade off with these two. Williams is probably more durable, but not quite as gifted as a scorer. Like I said, it levels them out, and that's fine.
The concern I have is Williams' salary. The Flyers are already 2.4 million over the cap. Trading Gagne puts them 2.6 over. Williams makes 3.5 million a year. So how does this move work for the Flyers? They are losing the better player, and still not satisfying the cap situation.
There has to be another deal in the works, somewhere. Now, i'm not saying that this is going to happen, but the only player making significant money as well as being in the final year of their deal is Jeff Carter. I really don't see them getting rid of both Carter and Gagne in this offseason, but that five plus million off the cap would make life alot easier for Paul Holmgren, who according to sources still wants to resign Darroll Powe, as well as go after a better netminder.
If any more news breaks on the matter, i'll let you all know through the facebook page. Stay tuned...
A favor, if you could
I need your help, folks. I'm trying to grow the readership of this blog as much as possible before the season starts. The bigger the audience, the better. Most of you know me personally, so I feel comfortable telling you that I really want to start pursuing sponsors for the page. It'll allow me to spend more time on the blog, producing a better product. And of course, it helps me personally too. If you could just suggest the facebook page to your friends, it would be a great help. Thanks!
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