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Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman had a couple New Jersey Devils related notes
in his latest 30 Thoughts column.
Considering not much else is happening with the team right now, I figured I'd touch on said notes.
First, the possibility of Assistant GM Tom Fitzgerald heading elsewhere.
Friedman had a long note on this topic but, in short, he wondered if the Buffalo Sabres may hire someone like Brian Burke or Don Maloney to oversee hockey ops and take a chance on a new GM from elsewhere to take care of the day-to-day duties.
There are several candidates who could fill that role. Pegula has Pittsburgh connections, which tie him to Jason Botterill and Bill Guerin (Penguins) and Tom Fitzgerald (now in New Jersey). Norm Maciver comes from a very successful place (Chicago) and could carry a Scotty Bowman recommendation; that’s meaningful in Western New York. Nashville’s Paul Fenton has been ready for years. Same with Los Angeles’s Mike Futa, who went far down this process when Murray was hired. He just received a promotion with the Kings, but it wouldn’t hurt for Buffalo to ask. Toronto’s Kyle Dubas’s name always comes up when the word “progressive” is mentioned, and it was there on the weekend.
There's no telling the Sabres will go the route mentioned above and, even if they do, there are a ton of worthy candidates.
In saying that, Fitzgerald to the Sabres could make sense. On top of what Friedman mentioned, one of Fitzgerald's sons, Casey, was drafted by the Sabres in 2016.
While Fitzgerald seems content working alongside Ray Shero in New Jersey, I'm sure the possibility of a bigger role and working for a team with his son in the organization is enticing.
Considering all the candidates and different directions Buffalo could go with their GM gig, Fitzgerald ending up with the Sabres isn't likely. It's something to watch for until a decision has been made, though.
Now, onto Kovalchuk (surprise!).
15. We’ll get back to some other coaching news shortly. There’s some doubt this Ilya Kovalchuk news is any different than other years, but it is different. Agent Jay Grossman and New Jersey GM Ray Shero aren’t commenting, but word is Kovalchuk has informed the Devils of his desire to return. And, in Russian circles, they are preparing for it. The process is in motion.
This is great. Everything about this is great. Kovalchuk has always been one of my favorite players to watch and, regardless of where he ends up, returning to the NHL would benefit the Devils (and me). The last few years have been tough, to say the least, so they deserve some things to go their way.
The Devils own his rights. He can sign and play immediately with them. If he tries to sign anywhere else, he can only play with the consent of the other 30 teams. So this will be a sign-and-trade, because I’m far from certain New Jersey will be the final destination. Alexander Radulov’s successful return is good news for Kovalchuk, and for the Devils, since it eases concerns about risk.
Oh, that's no fun. Again, Kovalchuk returning is a plus for the Devils because they thought he was out of the picture forever, anyway. Getting assets for someone who wasn't in the plans weeks ago is a big positive.
That said, Kovalchuk suiting up for the Devils again would be preferable, at least for me. He is an exciting player -- the Devils could certainly use more of those -- and the possibility of him skating on a line with Taylor Hall is dreamy.
No, Kovalchuk alone wouldn't make the Devils a contender. Yes, they'd need to add a couple very good defensemen to go with Kovalchuk to be a playoff team next year and that's easier said than done. Still, I want to see this happen.
Kovalchuk left the Devils unexpectedly. Maybe he'll return to the team unexpectedly.
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Another Kovalchuk blog
Evaluating the Kovalchuk situation
Report: Kovalchuk wants to return to the NHL
Beau Bennett quietly effective in debut season with the Devils
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The Hall - Zajac - Palmieri line was one of the NHL's best in 2016-17
New Jersey Devils 2016-17 season awards
Notes on quotes from Shero and Hynes on break-up day
Notes on Hall, Hynes, a lack of 'killer instinct' and more
Setting the table for the Devils' off-season 
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