Another superstar says goodbye
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The New York Islanders have shipped Alexei Kovalev and Alexander Karpovtsev to the Chicago Blackhawks for Filip Kuba, Ivan Novoseltsev, Martin Rucinsky and a 2006 2nd Round Pick.
On the heels of a 1-1 tie with the New Jersey Devils and in the midst of a 4 game winless streak, Islanders' GM has made yet another big move shipping superstar Alexei Kovalev to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Alexei Kovalev, spending the majority of the season on the top line centered by Mike Comrie, with Sergei Samsonov on the left side, has been in the coach's dog-house a few times this season, having trouble finding the back of the net registering only 4 goals on the season.
"Yeah, it is a little shocking," the winger from Russia said. "Obviously, I haven't been producing the way I would have liked, but hopefully things turn around for me in Chicago."
With the the additions of Adam Foote and Chris Phillips already, the Islanders will now boast arguably one of the best defensive units in the league with Schneider, Foote, Phillips and now Kuba as their top 4.
"I'm very excited about going to New York," Kuba said in a phone-interview. "I'm going to a playoff team, so that's obviously very exciting."
Coming to the Islanders with Filip Kuba (6 goals, 9 assists) are right-wingers Martin Rucinsky (8G, 5A) and Ivan Novoseltsev (3G, 3A). The Islanders will also receive Chicago's 2006 2nd round pick, who was originally traded to Chicago from San Jose.