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A couple days ago
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported during a Saturday Headlines segment that Ilya Kovalchuk would like to return to the NHL.
The New Jersey Devils still own his rights so they can sign him without any issues. Should Kovalchuk wish to play for another team and/or the Devils decide he is not a fit for them, they can work out a sign and trade.
Both routes have their benefits so let's take a closer look.
Benefits of signing Kovalchuk
Kovalchuk is coming off his best season in the KHL as he scored 32 times and registered 78 points in 60 games. He turned 34 a couple weeks ago but he clearly has some gas left in the tank.
Kovalchuk actually produced at a higher rate than a 29-year-old Radulov did his final season in the KHL (1.3 points per game for Kovalchuk, 1.23 for Radulov) and we saw the impact the latter made in Montreal this season.
If the Devils were to add Kovalchuk to the mix he'd instantly become the 2nd best skater on the team and provide a big boost to the team's 28th ranked offense. He'd also add another element of speed to the top-6 (Travis Zajac, Adam Henrique, Kyle Palmieri and Mike Cammalleri aren't exactly burners) and be a nice boost to the penalty kill as well.
If GM Ray Shero can add a capable top-4 defenseman, or two, and bring Kovalchuk in for nothing the Devils could very well be a playoff team as early as next season.
The Devils need to take some big steps forward next year or some changes could be made. Adding a player like Kovalchuk to the team for nothing but cap space, which the team has an abundance of, would go a long way towards doing so.
Benefits of trading Kovalchuk
There are none! We've lost Kovalchuk once already. We can't let that happen again, okay?!?
In all seriousness, Kovalchuk is 34 years old. Adding Kovalchuk and a defenseman or two could make the Devils a good team next year. I doubt it makes them a great team.
The goal is to win the Stanley Cup, obviously, and the Devils may not be a contender for two or more years even if they make good moves and have some things go their way (like getting a top-3 pick in the draft lottery).
A player with Kovalchuk's numbers, skill set and pedigree would attract a lot of interest, no doubt. If the Devils can flip him for useful assets that help make the team better when the time comes to seriously contend, you could argue that trading him is the right way to go.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I think this is in Kovalchuk's hands. If Kovalchuk really wanted to return to New Jersey, I doubt Shero would force him out the door given the team's offensive struggles over the last few years.
Also, quite frankly, the Devils have not been relevant or remotely exciting in years. If they have a chance to add one of the more exciting and talented players we've seen without losing a player, prospect, or draft pick, and they decide to move him, I may die a little inside.
I can't wait to see how this plays out.
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