“New Jersey, that’s where I want to play,” the 36-year-old forward said today. “You never know what’s going to happen, but, of course, I would love to come back to New Jersey.”
So far, though, the Devils have not been that aggressive about trying to re-sign him. Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello wouldn’t rule out bringing Sykora back, but hasn’t said anything definitive about wanting him back either.
And, for Sykora, it’s not Devils or no one. He wants to play in the NHL this season, so other teams are interested he’d sign with one of them.
“The most important thing is to play in the NHL,” said Sykora, a two-time Stanley Cup-winner and six-time finalist. “I would love to continue to play in the NHL.”
A source indicated the Washington Capitals, now coached by former Devils’ assistant Adam Oates, have shown interest in Sykora. Oates was also teammates with Sykora in Anaheim, so there is a relationship there. Plus, the Capitals are a little thin up front as far as goal scorers and might have to begin the season without Nicklas Backstrom, who was apparently injured while playing in the KHL. The Capitals confirmed today that Backstrom is visiting is specialist in Michigan.
Jesus Christ Lou, would you sign Sykora already !!!!
Our depth up front is pure garbage, he wouldn't command anything over 1M$ per and he's a proven goal scorer regardless of his speed or any other negatives you can find in his game.
I'd take a old and tired Sykora over a fast and fit Tedenby any day of the week.
We can't sign anyone until next week. Simmer down.
Instead if signing that loser Barch that will see about as much icetime as Andrew Peters did when he was with us, Lou should've thrown that money Sykora's way whitout even blinking.
Instead if signing that loser Barch that will see about as much icetime as Andrew Peters did when he was with us, Lou should've thrown that money Sykora's way whitout even blinking.
I'm assuming, unlike the other looney tunes GMs, Lou didn't want to be throwing too much money around prior to a new CBA.
With uncertainty surrounding cap, contracts, the duration of pending lockout... I can see him waiting Sykora out til everything was official. After a 21-goal season, there was no way he was going to be taking league minimum again.
Now with plenty of room in cap space, more financial stability and defined contract structure... I think he'll go after Sykora right away.
Talking about myself. I'm willing to take a hit for a half season if it means a shot at Seth Jones who's a specimen. Especially if Kovy won't be back. My bad.
Last edited by Brooklyndevil: 01-09-2013 at 12:03 PM.
I'd take a old and tired Sykora over a fast and fit Tedenby any day of the week.
I would too. I've watched Tedenby plenty in the AHL, and I can say he has improved a bit, but we all agreed he needs to be scoring to justify his spot. If not, Pete's only gonna put him on the 4th line again. If he can't score at a 15 goal clip(For 82 games, not 48) I have no use for him especially with the less than competent defense.
I also can't understand why Lou has signed a plethora of players we absolutely no longer had any use for in the past, but not Sykora.
Could it be there's something more to this? As was already said did he throw a fit when he was sat in the ECF/SCF? Did he really want a 2 year deal, but just isn't telling us this? Does he really want an absurd amount of money? I guess if we don't sign him we'll find out when he is signed.
I also can't understand why Lou has signed a plethora of players we absolutely no longer had any use for in the past, but not Sykora.
Could it be there's something more to this? As was already said did he throw a fit when he was sat in the ECF/SCF? Did he really want a 2 year deal, but just isn't telling us this? Does he really want an absurd amount of money? I guess if we don't sign him we'll find out when he is signed.
Other than Marty (who damn well deserves respect), Sal (who was going to be sought after for his playoff performance) and throwing money at Zach... all he did was sign a bunch of contracts that are close to league minimum for minimal years, as well.
Sykora's going to get a raise... that warrants waiting post-CBA, in my eyes.
Talking about myself. I'm willing to take a hit for a half season if it means a shot at Seth Jones who's a specimen. Especially if Kovy won't be back. My bad.
Just somebody who is curious. What are your opinions about Kovalchuk as a buyout candidate considering the punishment for backdiving contracts. I guess we're in a similar situation with Zetterberg as our captain who also has a backdiving contract that could hurt us if he retires soon.
Just somebody who is curious. What are your opinions about Kovalchuk as a buyout candidate considering the punishment for backdiving contracts. I guess we're in a similar situation with Zetterberg as our captain who also has a backdiving contract that could hurt us if he retires soon.
Why? He is one of the top forwards in the league and is the face of our franchise (yes, before Marty has even left).
Also, his cap hit is one of the best in the league
The exact numbers are in a business board thread, but to paraphrase, say Kovalchuk would retire two or three years before his contract expired. approximately $5 Million in cap space will be wiped out for the Devils for those years he would be under contract.
The exact numbers are in a business board thread, but to paraphrase, say Kovalchuk would retire two or three years before his contract expired. approximately $5 Million in cap space will be wiped out for the Devils for those years he would be under contract.
that's because his final years of his contract actually pay him $3M and $4M respectively, so it's only a minor uptick compared to the other unpenalized contracts that end at $1M a year typically.
The exact numbers are in a business board thread, but to paraphrase, say Kovalchuk would retire two or three years before his contract expired. approximately $5 Million in cap space will be wiped out for the Devils for those years he would be under contract.
There's another CBA between now and that being relevant, and ten years. There's no reason to get rid of our best player right now for the fear of what might be in an uncertain future.
