Kovalchuk Trade Imminent?

Kovalchuk trade rumors have been running rampant for weeks now, with speculation that the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, and even the Toronto Maple Leafs could all make a pitch for the superstar left winger. With how much I have been reading about this ongoing saga, I figured I should provide my two cents.

As far as I can tell, it would be difficult (and rather far-fetched) for most of these teams to acquire Kovalchuk for a number of reasons. First of all, in today's hockey world, it would be foolish to give up a combination package of draft picks, prospects, and established young players for a rental player. Even one as talented as Ilya Kovalchuk. I believe that if Kovalchuk is traded, it will be to a team for the long term. Not as a playoff rental.

With cap issues alone, it would be safe to eliminate the Bruins, Blackhawks, and Rangers from the Kovalchuk sweepstakes. As we have all heard, the Blackhawks are facing salary cap issues heading into next season with the resigning of its key young players. Management needs to be extra careful how it handles its assets and how it spends its money. In addition, the Blackhawks already have a high octane offense with Kane, Toews, and Hossa leading the way. Acquiring Kovalchuk might disrupt the solid team chemistry that is evident on the current Blackhawks roster.

Boston simply does not have the cap space, this season or next, and I doubt they would be willing to mortgage their future for Kovalchuk. I would say the exact same thing for the Rangers and their cap issues. However, I also do not believe they own the assets to acquire a superstar like Kovalchuk.

The Washington Capitals already have a blazing hot offense and a superstar left winger in Ovechkin. They simply do not need Kovalchuk, especially at a rumored $10 million per season. Committing almost a third of their payroll on two players would certainly hinder the Capitals chances of remaining competitive over the years to come.

I believe the Calgary Flames are a slight possibility, but they also would have to clear some cap space. I also question if they have what the Thrashers seek to make this trade happen. There is, however, no doubt in my mind that Darryl Sutter would love to boast a first line with Iginla and Kovalchuk on the wings.

The idea of Kovalchuk becoming a Toronto Maple Leaf at all seems almost impossible, let alone this season. The Leafs could conceivably have the necessary cap space to take on a monster contract for Kovalchuk, but I am not convinced that is in the plans of GM Brian Burke. I do not believe Kovalchuk will be a Leaf this season, as the Maple Leafs also lack the assets to pull off the trade. However, I do think Burke will make an offer if Kovalchuk reaches unrestricted free agency this summer.

The Los Angeles Kings, in my opinion, are the best team suited to trade for, and retain, Ilya Kovalchuk. They have the cap space and the assets to make this trade happen. With a talented and rising young core of players, the Kings might also be an attractive destination to Kovalchuk. The only thing I see holding a deal back, would be an unwillingness from both ownership and management to commit the kind of money and term Kovalchuk would require. However, I do believe the Kings have all it takes to make LA the home to superstar, Ilya Kovalchuk.