Does Ilya Kovalchuk Mean More To The Kings Than The Devils?

The weeks that lead up to March 3rd, the NHL trade deadline, were tense and full of speculation.  Many people thought that Dean Lombardi would be able to swing a deal with the Atlanta Thrashers to acquire Ilya Kovalchuk.  As the days ticked on, news broke that Kovalchuk had been traded to the Devils on February 4th.  This was a devastating blow to many Kings fans.

In retrospect, was the trade good for New Jersey?  Probably not.  They didn't manage to make it out of the first round and Kovalchuk headed to unrestricted free agency anyways.  It was a lot to give up for a player who may or may not be wearing the Devils' colors come this season. 

What were the Kings looking for?  The Los Angeles Kings knew that they needed someone to line up beside Anze Kopitar.  He is one of the premier young dominant centers in the league.  Ilya Kovalchuk was thought to be a perfect fit.  He would provide scoring and excitement that every Kings fan loves. 

Looking at New Jersey, they have their superstars.  They have Brodeur, Parise and now Volchenkov.  They have the players that can make that difference on a nightly basis.  Los Angeles needs that superstar.  While Kovalchuk would bring another dimension to an already potent New Jersey line up, he is an even better fit in Los Angeles. 

The Kings are a young team with a lot of potential.  Now that Willie Mitchell has signed, there is really only one other hole in the team's line up.  The Kings need a scoring winger.  Alex Frolov didn't end up working out for the Kings and in all honesty I don't see Alexei Ponikarovsky fitting the bill either.  Ilya Kovalchuk appeared to be a slam dunk. 

Kovalchuk would be the guy in Los Angeles.  He would be the player that would take this team from good to Stanley Cup contender.  If he couldn't get it done in New Jersey last year, what makes him think that this is the year?  Have the Devils really gotten that much better? 

The Kings are a year older, a year wiser, and much more powerful.  Heading into this season I foresee them challenging for the division with or without Kovalchuk.  Money aside, is there really any better situation?

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