Toronto-The league’s twenty-first ranked offense has received an enormous boost. Ilya Kovalchuk is now a member of the New Jersey Devils. Defenseman Johnny Oduya, forward Niclas Bergfors, prospect Patrice Cormier, and a first round draft choice are heading to Atlanta. New Jersey also re-acquired depth defenseman Anssi Salmela in the transaction.
The entire hockey world knew that Thrashers general manager Don Wadell had to move the Russian superstar. Indeed, the writing was on the wall. According to Wadell, Kovalchuk turned down multiple offers, including a twelve-year, $101 million pact.
Oduya, 28, is an above average defensive defenseman. The 222nd pick of the 2001 entry draft is a great skater and can be counted on in his own zone. He should help the inept Thrashers’ defense.
Cormier, 19, though much-maligned, has the potential to be an excellent power forward. In 31 QMJHL games this year, the Moncton, New Brunswick native, who was the 54th overall selection of the 2008 draft, has averaged exactly one point per game. He will miss the remainder of the campaign due to his infamous suspension.
Although the package is not overwhelming, the Thrashers received a respectable return for a rental player. Oduya should have an immediate impact. Bergfors is a work in progress. Cormier and the first round pick are pieces for the future.
Unfortunately for Thrashers fans, subtracting Kovalchuk will probably result in another season without a playoff berth.
Adding Kovalchuk is a huge risk for the Devils. First and foremost, he will likely sign elsewhere in the summer. New Jersey plays a stifling system, which is not conducive to signing a goal-scorer of Kovalchuk’s ilk. Furthermore, if re-signed, he would earn far more than Martin Brodeur’s $5.2 million.
The deal can change the dynamic of the club. The former Kansas City Scouts is the Eastern Conference’s second place team. This move, on the surface, defies the ubiquitous proverb: “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
While in most circumstances relinquishing as many assets as GM Lou Lamoriello has is an imprudent decision, his team’s lack of offensive firepower is clearly a pressing need. With Zach Parise’s 25 goals and Kovalchuk’s 31, New Jersey has two major threats upfront.
After two consecutive first-round playoff exits, adding a franchise player, albeit for a few months, is a shrewd maneuver.
Dwyane Wade had a tremendous week. The Miami Heat’s superstar averaged 33.3 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. He shot to a 49.3 field goal percentage and a 35.7 clip from behind the three-point line. The twenty-eight year old recorded three double-doubles in as many games and Heat victories. For the season, Wade is averaging 26.4 points per game, fifth in the National Basketball Association. He is also fifth in steals, 1.83 SPG. Wade was named the Eastern Conference player of the week.
"“I’m excited that for the first time this season I was able to earn Player of the Week honors,” he told Miami Heat.com, “but I’m more excited by the fact our team played well and captured three wins during the week.”
Jake, I wonder what the past history on “rental players ” reveals. Have you ever done research into this?
It would be interesting to know what these players did for their “landlords” in the short term and what they accomplished after the rent payment expired and for whom.
Roth: The majority of teams that make significant deadline moves fail. I recommend that you read McCown’s Law: The 100 Greatest Hockey Arguments by Bob McCown and Dave Naylor. There is a chapter devoted to rental players.