If they wanted to move that huge contract during the old CBA, they weren't going to get back a bucket-load of prospects or picks. They would have been in the same boat as the Canucks with the Luongo/Schneider situation. Without seeing the landscape of a new CBA, the trade value of Luongo and Kovalchuk is impossible to predict.
I don't think they want to have Elias playing center since he sucks on the face-offs. Don't think he has ever been above 46%. They've pretty much been forced to keep him there but I'm pretty sure they would switch him to the wing if they could. Hell, they've tried to take him off center before but they just don't have anyone else to take his spot.
Ah, didn't know that. Thanks.
I wouldn't mind Kesler and Kassian in the deal but I don't think we'd be adding. Perhaps Kesler, Kassian for Kovy and a pick?
I'd do Schneider + Kassian + pick. Or something like that. Maybe include Raymond as well.
It'd probably be our first but I'd do it without a second thought. Flip something low-key to Toronto for Franson and ship out Ballard to make up the salary.
About this. I'd up Schroeder/2nd to Schroeder/1st if Lu is chosen, and in the following situation, Ballard is chosen. I'd also give the option of Ballard or Booth, depending on needs (Booth would be chose 99% of the time I think).
I could concievably see Gillis offering one of Sauve, Connauton or Corrado if there's a bidding war too, but any higher and it's too rich for my blood.
Vancouver is trying to get younger and I feel if they tried to add Kovalchuk it may strip what limited youth the team has.
I realize the Devils are likely to walk away from this deal, but i'd offer Luongo, Raymond, Gaunce, 1st...and even then I don't know if i'd pull the trigger. Kovalchuk just seems so far away from the type of player GHillis is trying to bring in.
Vancouver is trying to get younger and I feel if they tried to add Kovalchuk it may strip what limited youth the team has.
I realize the Devils are likely to walk away from this deal, but i'd offer Luongo, Raymond, Gaunce, 1st...and even then I don't know if i'd pull the trigger. Kovalchuk just seems so far away from the type of player GHillis is trying to bring in.
While that was the calling point. If New Jersey is actively considering to move Kovalchuk, our plans abruptly change as a result. We have exactly the assets they would be looking for and would be foolish not to make a pitch. We can rebuild the prospect depth later on but good luck ever having an opportunity to run a juggernaut team that may arguably rival some of the dynasty teams in sheer scoring ability.
Schneider should be really interesting for any team trying to rebuild. I guess if you add Kassian, Jensen etc. at some point it would be interesting for New Jersey, but we would end up with absolutely nothin 3-4 years from now.
We don't really have that one young player we could "sacrifice" for the "short-term" benefit of Kovalchuk. Neither do I believe we are desperate for the type of player Kovalchuk is - even if he is sensational.
I would offer Schneider and if I was a Devils-fan I probably wouldn't know if that was a joke or a serious offer. Got to be teams willing to give a lot more for Kovalchuk than what we are.
What do you guys think Kovalchuk's numbers will look like in the next few years? I realize that he affects a game in many areas besides his offence - terrific defensive play, physical play, even dropping the mitts if it's called for. I also realize his offensive numbers have been held back while playing in New Jersey because NJ plays a defensive system.
But he is turning 30 this season. And from what I have read, goal scoring forwards tend to peak early in their careers.
So considering this, but also considering his elite talent and the system he plays in and all the other factors, what do you think his offensive numbers will look like in the coming years?
