It looks like the free agent market is expanding as KHL insider Aivis Kalnins tweeted that Russian winger Ilya Kovalchuk has confirmed that he intends to leave the KHL and sign with an NHL team after this season.
Kovalchuk, who said a similar thing a year ago and then changed his mind, is in a much different situation this year. Last year, Kovalchuk was still considered to be property of the New Jersey Devils and was relient on the Devils trading his rights to another team. However, Kovalchuk will now be an unrestricted free agent, according to Pierre LeBrun.
Kovalchuk helped the Olympic Athletes from Russia capture the gold medal Saturday’s exciting victory over Germany and was named the MVP of the tournament. The 34-year-old might be getting old, but isn’t slowing down as his last two season in the KHL have been among his best. He scored 32 goals for St. Petersburg SKA last year and has 31 goals this season despite taking a break to play in the Olympics.
As an unrestricted free agent, Kovalchuk can pick his own destination as last year, he wanted to either play in New York or in Florida. While it was well-known he wanted to play for the New York Rangers last year, that may not be the case this year as the Rangers have been selling off many of their assets, which might not attract the veteran.
How about he splits the difference of Florida and New York and signs in Carolina. Man, we need a goal scorer!
If Tampa trades for Karlsson and signs Kovalchuk..
Bail on New Jersey and sign with the Rangers when you come back? I hope Patrick Warburton’s character from “Seinfeld” haunts him for life.