23 replies to this topic

[Dark Knight]

According to Hockey News (through Spector's):

"THE HOCKEY NEWS: reports Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk has signed with the Khimik Voskresensk of the Russian League.

Spector's Note: My thanks to "Jasper Pabs" and "Motel" for sending this in. Obviously Kovalchuk is doing this both as a pressure tactic in his contract talks with the Thrashers and as insurance in case he misses the first two months of the season - or possibly the entire season - due to contract holdout. He'll obviously have an "NHL escape clause" in that contract to allow him to return to the Thrashers prior to December 1 once a new deal between him and the Thrashers is completed. "

LINK

[jojo983]

wow if thats true thats going to hurt Atlanta.

[ahtikullervo]

Deal with NHL option. If Atlanta wants him, they'll get. It just takes $$$...

[Kimi]

He signed it to make sure he can play somewhere this season if Atlanta don't pay him. He's worth about $5-6M going by other contracts, so he'll try and hold out for that. I hope he's in the NHL this season though, he's a 40 goal scorer. And I've got him in one of ma Fantasy leagues!

[ahtikullervo]

Russian sources tell that he is expecting 7+ millions... 5-6 will mean playing in Russia...

[GLOVESAVE35]

Russian sources tell that he is expecting 7+ millions... 5-6 will mean playing in Russia...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow, he wants veteran player money. Hmmm. . .can Atlanta afford him?

[ahtikullervo]

Yes. Atlanta can afford him. Will they do it?

[PortBeach13]

If this is true Atlanta will be screwed.

[primstad]

I think any club in the world would miss a type of player like Kovalchuk... darned he is good! as I said before, wouldn't mind seeing him in the Ducks jersey...

[sykora_39]

That's a statement for Atlanta; he want more money! Oh typical...

[PortBeach13]

He does, and he proved it.

[duckingermany]

wow if thats true thats going to hurt Atlanta.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And with Holik,Nieuwendyk and Hossa they only want to support him!?

[ahtikullervo]

Kovalchuk sould be traded... To NJ. Atlanta could get a really good squad without Kovalchuk & Heatley...

[duckingermany]

But will they get somebody from NJ??

[ahtikullervo]

I believe NJ has to dump some salary. Kovalchuk would mean huge $$$ problems more, but on the other hand he could be the guy around to build. Devils could offer Atlanta a very nice deal...

[ahtikullervo]

In Russia rumours tell Kovalchuk wants maximum - 7,8 million...

Article in Sport-Express today...

[ahtikullervo]

Ilya waiting for big $$$...

[ahtikullervo]

Ilya in negotiation uniform. How does Don Waddell look like?

[ahtikullervo]

Ilya needs to bring home some $$$... They are not only 2, they will have dughter!

[ahtikullervo]

Beckhams of Russia?!...

[Dark Knight]

What happened to her lips? Angelina Jolie bite her?

[GLOVESAVE35]

What happened to her lips? Angelina Jolie bite her?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[PortBeach13]

wow if thats true thats going to hurt Atlanta.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And with Holik,Nieuwendyk and Hossa they only want to support him!?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Where'd you ever here that Niewundyk was in Atlanta?

[DropThePuck]

The Thrashers' final exhibition game is Friday night at Philips Arena, and it's certain Ilya Kovalchuk will not make an appearance in the preseason.

The next question becomes how many regular-season games might he miss?

<link>