[Rumour] With the Ruble crumbling, Kovalchuk is considering a return to the NHL - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

TorqueDog · 03-23-2015, 11:09 AM

http://www.tsn.ca/report-kovalchuk-e...eturn-1.238308

Quote:

According to a source of the Iltalehti newspaper in Helsinki, Finland, the 31-year-old has discussed returning to North America for the 2016-17 season; the final year of his contract with his KHL team.

---
If Kovalchuk attempts to return to the NHL prior to turning 35 (2018-19 season), he would have to receive approval from all 30 franchises.

Personally, I would love to see the BoG tell him to go pound sand and wish him all the best in the KHL.

Poe969 · 03-23-2015, 11:12 AM

In Soviet Russia, Ruble crumples you!

The more talent in the NHL, the better. On the other hand, Kovalchuck went after big money and hung his team and the NHL out to dry. I wouldn't mind seeing him back, I just hope after all of this is said and done, he's lost money.

codynw · 03-23-2015, 11:13 AM

I can't see NJ wanting him back. They'll probably vote against it.

stemit14 · 03-23-2015, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

http://www.tsn.ca/report-kovalchuk-e...eturn-1.238308
Personally, I would love to see the BoG tell him to go pound sand and wish him all the best in the KHL.

Agreed. He made his bed... Now he has to lie in it. We all said he'd come crawling back.

saillias · 03-23-2015, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codynw

I can't see NJ wanting him back. They'll probably vote against it.

What's the deal with his contract, was it just nulled?

So if he "comes back" with BOG approval he could sign for whichever team he pleases?

Wood · 03-23-2015, 11:15 AM

He will need all 30 teams to approve

I want to see Lou keep him stuck in Russia

Tron_fdc · 03-23-2015, 11:19 AM

Send him to Edmonton!!

Phaneufenstein · 03-23-2015, 11:23 AM

Lou will be the first to welcome him back.

Kovy fits the bill of the New Jersey Post-Apexers.

JohnnySkittles · 03-23-2015, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codynw

I can't see NJ wanting him back. They'll probably vote against it.

Lol what? They'd be thrilled to have him back. However no way the other 29 GMs say yes.

codynw · 03-23-2015, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaneufenstein

Lou will be the first to welcome him back.

Kovy fits the mould of the New Jersey Post-Apexers.

Kovalchuk isn't even 35 yet. He brings that team's average age down.

Caged Great · 03-23-2015, 11:25 AM

Can we get his younger linemate Artemi Panarin. That would be nice. He's a really good player, has more points than Kovalchuk this year.

CroFlames · 03-23-2015, 11:27 AM

NJ has his rights first though right?

Flash Walken · 03-23-2015, 11:28 AM

I hope the Oilers sign him.

Resolute 14 · 03-23-2015, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wood

He will need all 30 teams to approve

I want to see Lou keep him stuck in Russia

Lou won't do that. He knows that Kovalchuk did him a major favour by wanting to leave, as it got him out from under his owner's mistake. The Devils would be almost guaranteed to support his return for that reason. The old contract was voided, so they have no obligation.

Most other teams likely won't care, and I suspect discussions among the franchises will hinge on the poor optics of blackballing a player. I also find the rules around this curious, as it seems unlikely that previous guys who retired before coming back had to get unanimous consent to return. Also, nothing the league ever does requires unanimous consent. Surprised it isn't 50%+1, two-thirds or three-quarters or something like that.

Roof-Daddy · 03-23-2015, 11:28 AM

Kovalchuk is still a big name that'll help put some more butts in seats. Bottom line is $$ so I'd imagine the league and the people who run it would want him back.

Plus, if Kovy were to leave the KHL it might lead to other talented players leaving as well, which in the end is also good for the league.

dino7c · 03-23-2015, 11:29 AM

why would all other teams approve him coming back? surely somebody would step up and prevent a rival from aquiring him

codynw · 03-23-2015, 11:32 AM

Wait, would he be an UFA if he came back? Or would NJ still own his rights?

Buff · 03-23-2015, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dino7c

why would all other teams approve him coming back? surely somebody would step up and prevent a rival from aquiring him

I'm assuming he is a UFA because I think his contract was somehow nullified or bought out when he "retired".

So, you would think that they want to make it a fair process and he gets approved/denied before talking with whatever teams. What if he has a tentative deal with the Rangers, do you think the Islanders will apploove Kovakchuk's return, or vice versa? In that situation, the odds of his return being afflooved diminish greatly.

sureLoss · 03-23-2015, 11:36 AM

nm

Parallex · 03-23-2015, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wood

I want to see Lou keep him stuck in Russia

Meh, in the longterm he probably did the Devils (if not Lou himself) a favour by retiring when he did.

The recapture penalties would have been huge if he'd played out the full front-half of that contract (and Lou ended up weaseling a 1st round pick and reduction of $ penalty back from the NHL as a result).

Quote:

Originally Posted by dino7c

why would all other teams approve him coming back? surely somebody would step up and prevent a rival from aquiring him

Sure... but then maybe whoever wants to sign him reminds everyone else that they might one day want something that would require full consent. Ultimately, I think the league would (or should) set an example in encouraging top talent to come to the NHL rather then spitefully blocking them from doing so.