(RUMOR) Ilya Kovalchuk to Vancouver (updated Jan. 9th)
According to a number of sources, the Vancouver Canucks are one of many teams that are seriously interested in superstar Ilya Kovalchuk. A report out of Russia states that the Thrashers wouldn't bite at a proposed 10-year deal worth $11.5 million US annually offered by the Kovalchuk camp. The report also went on to suggest Waddell would like to trade the high-flying winger and both Vancouver and Los Angeles are interested.
A source told hendrickshockey.com that "if Kovalchuk is dealt, it will be a Joe Thornton (Boston/San Jose) type deal." The Kings, Canucks, and the Wings are showing interest. Rumor has the Canucks offering up their 1st round pick, Pavol Demitra, and Cory Schneider for Kovalchuk. The only thing with the Canucks offering that rumored package is that it may be a lot to give up for just the rest of the season; if they can find some room to sign him beyond this season then it would be a great deal for the Canucks, not so much for the Thrashers though.
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Hendricks Says : Interesting trade scenario. We know that GM Don Waddell and Kovalchuk's agent are working hard still to hammer out an extension. If it gets close to the deadline and the Thrashers are hovering that bubble of in or out the playoffs I have to believe Waddell deals Kovalchuk. Still to early to judge, but I would also think Vancouver would have to thrown in another forward other than the oft-injured Demitra. Now, remember this is just rumor here, and we will continue to follow it and see what happens with Ilya Kovalchuk. It all depends on what happens pre-olympics to determine what Waddell will do with Kovalchuk.
So like Hendricks says, it is only a rumor and it is way too early to judge considering every team has a pretty good shot at the playoffs. If the Canucks would have to add another player in their rumored package, it would likely be a top 4 defenceman or a top prospect. Interesting to see how this plays out. But acquiring Kovalchuk could definitely be the missing piece they've been looking for to make that extra push for the playoffs, and maybe even the Stanley Cup.
UPDATE: January 9th, 2010
According to the Globe and Mail and "nhlsourcessay", Kovalchuk has rejected the latest offer from the Thrashers. Clearly both sides are not on the same page when it comes to the contract talks which means that Kovalchuk will likely be moved at the deadline.
Updated source: http://twitter.com/nhlsourcessay;
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