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1) Unless you've been living under a rock over the last few days, you have probably seen reports Ilya Kovalchuk would like to return to the NHL.
The New Jersey Devils own his rights so the only way to get hands on him is via sign-and-trade. Theoretically, he could sign with another team but all 30 franchises would have to approve. If you think for a second Edmonton, for example, would approve of Kovalchuk signing in Calgary you should probably get checked out.
I don't know what Kovalchuk could fetch in a trade if he doesn't want to return to New Jersey and/or the Devils decide to move him -- this situation is quite unique -- but they won't give him away and I doubt futures will be enough.
The Devils have 19 picks over the next two drafts and a vastly improved prospect pool compared to years ago. I don't think draft picks and/or prospects years away from contributing will be enough to peak their interest, especially considering they are at the stage in their rebuild where they want to add to the team and start making strides.
If Kovalchuk ends up being traded, the Devils would prefer he goes to a Western Conference team, no doubt.
I think a pure sniper like Kovalchuk is one of the only things the Flames are missing and that, if he becomes available, they should definitely take a run at him.
A goal scorer like Kovalchuk, who potted 32 in 60 KHL games last year, playing with a playmaker like Johnny Gaudreau would be a ton of fun to watch.
Again, I don't know what the price would be but it's certainly worth finding out.
2) Over the last few days, a lot of management types have been linked to the Buffalo Sabres' GM vacancy. Among them: Flames Assistant GM Craig Conroy.
A lot of people would look at losing Conroy as a negative but I don't see it that way. Assuming Brad Treliving gets a new contract -- he definitely should -- the Flames are set at the GM position for the foreseeable future, meaning Conroy would never play a pivotal role. If he gets a GM job, be it Buffalo or elsewhere, then the Flames have another team they have a great working relationship with. That's always a plus.
Who knows, maybe Conroy is a really big Troy Brouwer fan and would take his contract in order to add character to the room? Yeah, probably not, but the Flames can dream.
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