NHL Today (8/27): Kovalchuk, Kariya, Ryan, Staal, and More

Update:

Is Paul Kariya a Duck again? Well Ryan has to re-sign first...

Ilya Kovalchuk

Various sources are reporting that Ilya Kovalchuk has given the NHL a deadline of 24-48 hours to approve the Devils' current offer that he's agreed to. If they do not approve of the contract, Kovalchuk might just head to the KHL. That's no bluff either. His agent has already contacted SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. 

Paul Kariya

He could be a Duck (again) soon.

Anaheim equipment people have contacted Blues regarding Kariya. Appears he's headed there but he still won't even admit he's going to play!

via @AndyStrickland

However, Andy Strickland is reporting that the Ducks would like to sign Bobby Ryan first before getting involved with Kariya. 

Bobby Ryan

Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports that no news on Bobby Ryan re-signing has come out. However, Stephens notes that a few notable RFAs around the league haven't re-signed with their respective teame either. (Staal, Bergfors, Neal, Price, Gagner, Cogliano, Stewart, and Mueller)

 

Marc Staal

Staal is still looking for that offer sheet. However, Rangers' GM Glen Sather said he will match any offer made for the stud defenseman. 

 

Niclas Bergfors

Reports are coming out that RFA winger Niclas Bergfors is not even close to re-signing with the Atlanta Thrashers. Bergfors was the key of the Kovalchuk trade and he is definitely part of Atlanta's core of young players. 

Other news coming out of Atlanta:

• According to the Atlanta Journal Constiution, Dustin Byfuglien may go back to playing D.
  
• Thrashers' GM Dudley is still highly interested in UFA winger Lee Stempniak. Look for him to sign soon.

 

Doug Weight

Sportsnet.ca reports that veteran forward, Doug Weight, has signed a one year contract worth $850K with the New York Islanders.

Marek Svatos

Sources are saying that winger Marek Svatos might sign in Pittsburgh. Svatos' agent has come out saying that he wants to play in Pittsburgh. He has the will to play there, but will Shero sign him? 

In my opinion, he would be an upgrade for the Pens' wingers. I'd rather have him play on Crosby or Malkin's wing than Dupuis or Talbot. Yes he has declined over the past few years, but he still has that scoring touch.

Stay tuned for more updates coming soon!

• News on Svatos
• Some RFA news (Ryan, Staal, etc.)
• Update on Stempniak
• Kariya a Duck?

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