Unless you live in a bubble you have heard that retired NHL star Ilya Kovalchuk has decided to return. While the New Jersey Devils own his rights, there is almost zero chance he plays for them. That bridge was burned a long time ago and because the Devils are in the midst of a rebuild, a sign-and-trade makes the most sense for both parties.

Enter the San Jose Sharks as a possible trade partner.

Devils blogger Todd Cordell addressed this option in his blog yesterday:

Kovalchuk seemed to thoroughly enjoy his time playing for Pete DeBoer, who happens to coach the Sharks. DeBoer used Kovalchuk in all situations and he enjoyed great success headlined by leading the Devils in scoring during their run to the Stanley Cup Final. The Sharks are a playoff team every year and their window is starting to close. Kovalchuk is the kind of player that could put them over the top and they could make room for him by letting Patrick Marleau walk in free agency, for example. I imagine playing in a warm weather city for a perennial playoff team could be attractive to Kovalchuk.

Todd is 100% correct. Kovalchuk thrived under Deboer and developed into a solid two-way force. Kovalchuk helped lead an over-achieving Devils team to the Stanley Cup Final. The 34-year-old would indeed inject much needed firepower into the Sharks 19th ranked offense. Additionally, adding a Kovalchuk to the 25th ranked power play would be an instant upgrade. The Devils had one of the leagues most dangerous PP units with Kovalchuk blistering shots from the top of the circle.

Before re-signing with New Jersey, Kovalchuk nearly inked a deal with Los Angeles - adding intrigue to the idea that a highly competitive warm weather team would be attractive to the KHL defector and his family.

Lastly, CSN's Kevin Kurz suggested that this would be the best time for San Jose to shake up the roster. Both Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are unristricted giving San Jose flexibility to spend and the young assests New Jersey covets. Kurz pointed out that Doug Wilson has never been one to shy away from making a splash. Making a deal with the Devils for Kovalchuk could be the the splashiest of splashes in his GM tenure.

The Sharks remain a competitive team, but with the emergence of the Alberta teams and the continued success of both Anaheim and L.A., how long before that window slams shut?

What say you? To Kovy or not to Kovy?

Thanks for reading,
Steve

Join the Discussion: » 14 Comments » Post New Comment

» Sharks offense in heating up; have they turned a corner?

» Radim Simek's return will help, but San Jose's issues run deep

» The Last Place Sharks; Should We Get Used To It?

» Evander Kane helping Sharks get back on track

» Patrick Marleau's big return masks Sharks woes