HockeyDo Flyers, Devils, Rangers have a real shot at Kovalchuk?

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That’s probably why the offers are not as substantial as Waddell hoped. It appears the team wrestling with this the most is Los Angeles. The Kings are in the best position to make a deal, and it sounds like GM Dean Lombardi is tempted, but not at any cost.

It’s believed Lombardi still wants to add a defenceman, and even with his deep supply of prospects, trading youngster Jack Johnson means he’d be taking a temporary step back on the blue-line. (Unless, of course, he gets someone back in return, but Waddell is trying to make this a four- or five-for-one deal.)

Plus, even though the Kings have improved this season, are they really good enough to win the West? Hey, it’s possible. But, deep down, the organization has to wonder if Kovalchuk’s availability is happening one year too soon.

If I was Lombardi, and it came down to Johnson or Wayne Simmonds (who I don’t think he’ll trade), I’d wait until the summer. Lombardi drafted Patrick Marleau. Maybe Vincent Lecavalier becomes available.

Kings ownership is about attracting stars. There have been times in the organization’s history when that’s been a great thing (Wayne Gretzky) and a flop (Valeri Bure, although that was more about his significant other). Lombardi is building the right way, and the best thing for the franchise would be to avoid giving up a significant part of the future for that. Frolov? Sure. Johnson? Not so much.

2. Why won’t Waddell let another team negotiate a new contract with Kovalchuk?

I understood this thinking for awhile. You don’t want to get boxed in with one club that says, “OK, we’ve got a deal with him. No one else does, so you’re at our mercy.” Now, it might benefit Waddell to change his mind. He’s probably angry at Kovalchuk and agent Jay Grossman, and that's part of the mix, but what if he asked the Kings (or anyone else), “What would you give us if you could sign him?”

If Lombardi (or someone else, but I think the Kings are key here) budges to Waddell’s satisfaction, it makes sense to allow a 72-hour negotiating window or something like that. That gives Atlanta its best chance at a better deal.

3. What on Earth are the Flyers and Devils offering?

The capped-out Flyers have very little manoeuvrability. There were a few reports (including my own) that Scott Hartnell is part of the package, but he’s got a full no-move clause. So does Daniel Briere. Simon Gagne has a no-trade. Do you think any of these guys waive it? Me neither.

Paul Holmgren is not trading Jeff Carter. I’m pretty sure Waddell asked — hey, you can’t shoot a guy for trying — but the answer was negative. Last season, when the two teams were discussing goalie Kari Lehtonen, the Thrashers asked for James Van Riemsdyk in return. OK, let’s say the Flyers were willing to do that. Van Riemsdyk's cap hit is $1.65 million US. Kovalchuk's is $6.4 million. Who makes up the difference? Matt Carle? I’m not sure he’s a top-four guy in Atlanta.

By now, it’s common knowledge that Thrashers associate GM Rick Dudley was watching the Devils’ AHL team, the Lowell Devils, on Wednesday night. New Jersey is interested in Kovalchuk, but not at a huge price. Truth is, they are not a very deep team in terms of prospects. Other scouts guess that Dudley was checking out winger Nick Palmieri. (Another guy mentioned, Alexander Vasyunov, did not play last night.)

The Devils do have the cap space for Kovalchuk, but you really have to wonder what else they’d give off their roster. Would it be anything more than Dainus Zubrus? The Thrashers want guys who can get them into the playoffs.

4. Are the Rangers really in this?

Doubt it. When Jaromir Jagr was still in New York, he wanted Glen Sather to get Martin Rucinsky from St. Louis. The price? Brandon Dubinsky. Sather said no way. There was also no chance they were going to give up Matt Gilroy in this week's trade for Olli Jokinen trade. This organization makes some strange decisions, but they’ve kept their young players and good on them.

5. Why won’t Kovalchuk take Atlanta’s money?

There’ve been some huge offers. One report said $80 million over eight years, another had $101 million over 12. Grossman has a reputation as a bottom-line guy, and there is no doubt the agent is trying to hit a grand slam. A talent like this has never hit unrestricted free agency at age 27.

I reported earlier this year that another Russian player told me that if Kovalchuk is not in Atlanta next year, “He will be in the KHL. It is between Atlanta and Russia.” At least two other GMs (one who considered acquiring him and one who didn’t) believe that to be true, because he can make more there than here.

But, I think what it comes down to is that Kovalchuk doesn’t want to sign with Atlanta long-term because he believes the franchise is unstable. Thrashers ownership has been in court five years and there are concerns the team will eventually move. I understand why Waddell would feel a bit betrayed, because Kovalchuk constantly told him he loved it there and created the impression he would sign.

Deep down, both Kovalchuk and Grossman have to know the player is not getting the max contract of 20 per cent of the salary cap from anybody. Most of the teams who can afford it and might be willing to do it don’t have the cap room. Plus, it’s borderline impossible to win with one guy taking that much of your space. Personally, I think it came down to the captain saying, “If I’m going to take the risk that the franchise moves, I need to be paid for it.”

Of course, the Thrashers will tell you it would have been nice to know this a year ago.

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