The Phil Kessel rumor mill isn’t going to die down until we get by the NHL Entry Draft and part of the free agency period. There are too many teams looking to make moves and with the increase in the salary cap on top of the ability to retain salary even things that don’t seem likely could find their way to fruition.

Ilya Kovalchuk is a UFA and is planning on making his return to the NHL this season. Pittsburgh wouldn’t normally be in the running for Kovalchuk, but let’s pretend the Penguins do end up trading Phil Kessel. For who and for what I don’t know. Let’s just say his money is off the books. Kovalchuk then becomes a realistic target. He’s one of few players available that would maintain Pittsburgh’s excellence on the power play while also getting some even-strength production. It would probably take a 3x6M contract to get it done.

Kovalchuk is 35 so there’s certainly risk involved. He would be an over 35 contract and if he were to split back to Russia or retire you are left with the cap hit IE: Datsyuk. Even at 35 he’s still pretty damn good. Since leaving the NHL for the KHL he has 285 points in 262 games. Using Rob Vollman’s translation formula (0.74) that would factor out to 210 NHL points in those 262 games. That is on average a 66 point NHL season over 82 games. If you look at his 2017-18 season his NHL 82 game pace would be 72 points. He had 13 power play goals out of 31 total goals last year. On the surface that looks to be a nice balance and not totally relying on the power play despite showing great ability in that area still. This is still high end production.

As far as the power play is concerned Ilya Kovalchuk is one of few players that could give Phil Kessel a run for his money on that left side spot opposite of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. He has a legit hammer for a one-timer and his passing ability is on par with Phil.

I’m personally not keen on trading Phil Kessel before the 2018-19 season, especially if it is because of a rift with the head coach. However, if a trade does happen with Phil, Ilya Kovalchuk would be a great option to consider. There won’t be any shortage of interest in the Russian’s services.

Thanks for reading!

Join the Discussion: » 27 Comments » Post New Comment

» Still alive, for now

» Going to need some help now

» Penguins giveth Penguins taketh away

» Now or never

» Where do things stand now for Pittsburgh