What's Next For "Kovie"?: Devils Radar

As things continue to go downhill for the Atlanta Thrashers, you have to wonder if anyone would want to stay, especially a player of Ilya Kovalchuk's caliber. The Russian born superstar has single handily run the offense in Atlanta long enough, and it seems to be time for a change. He has made comments in the past that he does not WANT to leave, but his stats this season say otherwise.

The 6'1, 230 lbs left winger has averaged 42 goals over his first six seasons. Twenty-five games into this season, he is currently on pace for 24 goals and 75 points. While this is still considered a fairly productive season, it is an underachievement for Kovalchuk. He has not even generated an average of three shots per game this season, and has been demoted to the checking line twice now.

Season after season of disappointment, an early exit in their most recent playoff stint, and a current 8-14-3 record, the Thrashers are failing and need to rebuild. Kovalchuk has been there for six seasons now. If he was to be the player around which they build, they should have had more success by now.

It is time to trade him and bring in a young core that they can begin to build around. But the question is, where do they send him, should they choose to unload his large contract and rebuild? The Montreal Canadiens have been waiting for their chance at Ilya, but another team has crossed my mind: the New Jersey Devils. Yes, as a Devils fan, I am a writer who is hoping for this to happen, but when you think about it, it does make some sense. Here is why I think this would be a win-win situation for both the Devils and Kovalchuk.

Offense- The Devils have been searching for some flare to liven up their offense for some time now. Zach Parise has been running the show so far for the Devils but he cannot do it alone. Kovalchuk needs play-makers around him, and he is just the guy to revitalize a play making and somewhat underachieving offense that includes names like Parise, Elias, Rolston, and even Madden who was known to be a scorer in his junior hockey career. The Devils have only one big shot to quarterback their power play unit in Brian Rolston, but that will not suffice. Kovalchuk is known for his big slap shot, and physical play which are two things the Devils' offense desperately needs.

Young Talent- What I would expect Atlanta's demand for Kovalchuk would be mainly young talent, and perhaps a veteran player. The Devils have an excess of young talent that they could deal to the Thrashers in this trade. Halischuk, Bergfors, and Vrana are just a few of the young Devils that could appeal to the Thrashers. Young Travis Zajac is also a possibility. Described as a possible up and coming "Joe Nieuwendyk", Zajac has had a decent start in New Jersey and could serve as trade bait as a young up and coming center for a struggling Atlanta team.

Cap Space- is not a huge issue in New Jersey because Lamoriello has never been one to stack the roster with large salaries, unlike the Rangers. There are many teams who could simply not afford Kovalchuk. Brian Gionta and Bobby Holik are both unrestricted free agents after this season, and between the two, that would open up $5.5 million in cap space. Kovalchuk's large $7.5 million would be a burden on most teams, but just might fit into the Devils lineup.

Fan Attendance - Everyone knows that one problem for the Devils organization has always been getting fans to come out to see games. Their rivals across the river sell out games all season, and the Devils players often have to play in their own arena in crowds dominated by blue shirts, or often packed with a surprising number of opposing fans. Kovalchuk's flare and exciting play would certainly help the Devils pack the seats and bring more money in to the organization.

All in all, Kovalchuk is a top player playing for one of the worst teams in the league, and needs to be shipped out. The Devils fit for many reasons, and I hope they will pursue him, should Atlanta decide to trade him. I would not be surprised if this happens, especially since Kovalchuk has only one more year left on his contract after this season. Teams may give up more if they can get him for another year after the 2008-2009 season rather than get him next year at the trade deadline and have him for only a few months.

I am not saying the Devils are a top candidate to get Kovalchuk, nor am I saying that Atlanta will definitely trade him. I am just saying should it happen, the trade seems to make sense. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

LETS GO DEVILS!!!