A Devilish Move...

The New Jersey Devils caused somewhat of a stir on Thursday, by surprisingly acquiring superstar sniper, Ilya Kovalchuk from the Atlanta Thrashers. Weeks of speculation noted the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers as the frontrunners in acquiring Kovalchuk, but the usually conservative Devils organization decided to make a major push toward winning the Stanley Cup.

The deal consisted of the Thrashers sending winger Ilya Kovalchuk to the Devils, for defenseman Johnny Oduya, forwards Niclas Bergfors and Patrice Cormier, and a first round draft pick. There is no word yet if the New Jersey Devils will resign Kovalchuk to a long-term contract, which could potentially cost upwards of $130 million over a twelve-year term.

Thrashers GM Don Waddell is already being heavily criticized by some, as he traded one of the most skilled goal scorers in the league, for some young players and a first rounder. There is no doubt that those players have skill and potential, but very little when compared to what they lost in Ilya Kovalchuk. Easily one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive threats.

To a rebuilding team, this deal works. But as it would seem, the Thrashers have been rebuilding since they came into the league in 1999. It has been their lack of ability to hold onto their all-star calibre players, that has hurt them on a competitive level and at the turnstiles.

For what remaining fan base the Thrashers might have, this is a sad day and a serious blow to their chances of winning now, and in the future. Over the years, Thrashers fans have seen star forwards Dany Heatley, Marian Hossa, and Ilya Kovalchuk leave for greener pastures.

I get the feeling that Don Waddell will be defending this trade for years to come. For how long he defends it as the Thrashers General Manager remains to be seen.