Kovalchuk, worth a King's Ransom?

Ilya Kovalchuk is a wonderful player. We can ALL agree on that. YES, I would like to see the Kings add a legitimate mega star like him, we all would, but the problem is the sad old adage that to make money, you must spend money. I think that Waddell is going to overhype the shit out of Kovy when he dangles him to all the big fish at the deadline and drive the price TOO HIGH. Guys, the last rumor was Simmonds and Doughty for Kovy. Two words, no way. Simmonds is really maturing and Doughty is our rock.

Now, obviously that was only a rumor and we all know that ultra conservative DL would never even think about making such a deal. The reality is, the Thrashers asking price for Kovy may just be too high for anyone to bite. Why sell the farm when we can join a bidding war for the russian's services on July 1. Let's get real. If it's Teubert, Hickey, Schenn, Voynov and any other prospect except Bernier, I would be willing to part with three of those guys AND some picks. We could really use Kovalchuk and if we honestly think we can win the cup, he would ideally orchestrate that.

But, we're simply not good enough to sell our future to Atlanta, for one player. That is the bottom line.

Now, a dream scenario because these are just so fun to create. The Oilers will definetely be out to sell contracts at the deadline, they suck. Dustin Penner's name comes up. He's putting up career numbers and he would fit perfectly alongside Fro and someone like Zus or Stoll. A big body that can chip in scoring wise, he could be the missing piece to the puzzle. Adding ANOTHER Ryan Smyth player will make us ridiculously deep. Nine "top 6" forwards. Damn...

And, he's only making 4 mil, which means we would, financially, not even need to give away any NHLers. Let Fro go in FA and sign two more Rob Scuderi's next off season and get ready for a 2011 parade Los Angeles.

- - LATER DEVELOPMENT - -

Jack Johnson is "irate" with his general manager. The day after the highest of highs, this news comes out. This drama could only happen in Los Angeles.

It's officially clear that Dean Lombardi hates Jack Johnson as a player and probably also his "YEAH DUDE" personality as well. Lombardi called Johnson's alma mater Michigan "the worst hockey program at coaching and developing kids in the nation" and called out Jack's former coach Red Berensen. Jack of course came out defensive, which is fine, but please not in the media. He fired jabs right back at his boss, which is not always a smart thing to do to the man that signs your checks.

I don't want this to seem to big. They're grown men and I don't think this will be like Avery and the Stars. But, from a hockey standpoint, and now a personal one. If a King will be on the move in February, it's going to be Jack. Accept it. Hey, who really cares? He's a perennial minus player, and he's got a cannon but always misses the net. His agent is tough and his contract is up after next season. Get rid of him and set the precedent that players can not call out the organization. But, please DL, grow up and be a professional. You can't say one of your players "sucked" publicly. Are you serious?

The Kings will not practice today as they prepare for tomorrow night's game in Detroit. This time, if they take 53 shots again, they will actually WIN. No. 7 versus No. 8, huge game. Lets go Kings

Shout out to Sean Avery, ex fan favorite, for standing up for bitchy Marian Gaborik (who was destroyed by Carcillo). He fought 3 different Flyers to protect his ace, gotta love the fire. Phaneuf should be very grateful for HIS sloppy seconds after last night. What a baller.

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