Kovalchuk Talk

Kovalchuk a King? Not for that price

 It's been speculated for weeks that the Kings are looking to acquire Ilya Kovalchuk. Now, THN's Ken Campbell is reporting it; he's also provided readers with a possible list of names that Thrashers GM Don Waddell is interested in.  Rich Hammond confirmed that the Kings have made an offer to Atlanta.  He's also provided a pretty complete round-up of everything Kovalchuk.

Per Ken Campbell. 

"There is speculation that the group of roster players includes the likes of defenseman Jack Johnson and/or Oscar Moller or Wayne Simmonds and the prospects include 2009 first-rounder Brayden Schenn, along with defenseman Colton Teubert, Brandon Kozun and Andrei Loktionov."

If Atlanta thinks they're getting ONE of these players let alone a package of them for two months of Ilya;  I'll pass.  I'd rather offer up some picks for Ray Whitney or Paul Kariya and take my chances on signing Kovalchuk on July 1st.

Per Rich Hammond.

"So far, there has been one offer made by the Kings, and one offer/request made by the Thrashers of the Kings"

At least Waddell and Dean talking.

Per Kevin Allen.

"The Atlanta Thrashers have not given any team permission to talk contract with Ilya Kovalchuk's agent and they aren't planning to do so."

I don't understand Waddell's hardline stance on this.  Allowing teams to discuss an extension will only guarantee that Atlanta gets a better return.  It might be his way of saving face with a dwindling fan base, especially if Kovy signs for less than the rumored 10-year, $85 million that's been offered.