You would think that a team who has five division titles, was top ten in the league in points four years in a row, and has an outstanding roster filled with super-stars, would absolutely, undoubtedly have a chance at the Cup, year-after-year, right?
Well, that cannot be said about the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks have been nothing but a giant disappointment over the last ten years, giving the fans more than a little hope for success, and then taking it all away during the playoffs.
With the amount of stardom on that team, surely winning shouldn’t be a problem for them, but even Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Dany Heatley can’t help the team to the next level, a level they’ve been waiting to reach for what feels like eternity by now.
Let’s look at the statistics of their season/post-season since the 2005 lockout:
Season Year Post-season
113 P (2) ’09-‘10 15 GP, 8 W
117 P (1) ’08-’09 6 GP, 2 W
108 P (2) ’07-’08 13 GP, 6 W
107 P (6) ’06-’07 11 GP, 6 W
99 P (11) ’05-’06 11 GP, 6 W
What this record shows is a team that’s outstanding during the season, but can’t make it passed the second, and sometimes first, round of the playoffs.
The Sharks are usually one of the more talked about teams throughout the season, and year after year they are one of the higher picks for a successful postseason.
So what can be done about this team?
This offseason, they denied Evgeni Nabokov, their #1 goalie since the ’00-’01 season, a contract renewal, in which he ended up leaving to play in Europe. Now they are left with some unproven goalies, and a team tired of hard-work with no Stanley Cup pay. Rob Blake, their captain over last season just retired, and so now is the time to ask what the next step for this organization is.
Is it time to scrap it all get some new names and faces, or is the Marleau-Thornton-Heatley line the saving grace for the team?
Nothing can truly be answered until the season starts.
But you can take a look at the plethora of teams throughout history that have never won a Cup, for example St. Louis. The real question the Sharks need to ask themselves is whether or not they are going to fall to that reputation of teasing the NHL by being a great team that never comes through post-season, or if they are going to make the necessary adjustments to turn things around.
August 1st is the start of the Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week,” a whole week dedicated to the ferocious sea creatures. Perhaps that should be the day the Sharks organization takes a look at what they have and starts to fix this broken-record of a team.
I don’t have the answers for what they need; maybe it’s teamwork, or more youth. But the California fans deserve to see those blue jerseys lifting a cup already.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Roenick, American Hockey Hero
Jeremy Roenick has been called many things in the past. He has a reputation based both on his eccentric personality and great scoring ability. He’s been a hero for the Blackhawks, the Flyers, the Coyotes, the Kings, and the Sharks as well as gained the reputation as being one of the best American-born players of all-time. With 1,216 points through a 20-year NHL career, it’s no mystery why he is the head of the 2010 USA Hall of Fame class.
This post is a tribute to an American hockey hero. And despite the unfortunate fact that Roenick never got the chance to win the Stanley Cup, he’s is still on the list for NHL players that should never be forgotten.
This post is a tribute to an American hockey hero. And despite the unfortunate fact that Roenick never got the chance to win the Stanley Cup, he’s is still on the list for NHL players that should never be forgotten.
Top 10 Centers of the '09-'10 Season
Yahoo Sports just put up their list of the top 10 centers currently in the NHL, and needless to say it caused a lot of controversy.
Here is the list, and the link to the page is below:
1. Sidney Crosby (Pit)
2. Pavel Datsyuk (Det)
3. Henrik Sedin (Van)
4. Jonathan Toews (Chi)
5. Mike Richards (Phi)
6. Evgeni Malkin (Pit)
7. Mikko Koivu (Min)
8. Joe Thornton (SJ)
9. Nicklas Backstrom (Was)
10. Ryan Getzlaf (Ana)
Yahoo
Now, this list is totally up for debate, and just like the people who wrote the countless angry comments, I too have my issues with the list. I want to look at it with no biases, so instead of picking favorites based on team, and points I’d like to truly consider what it takes to be a first (or second) line center in the NHL.
Centers are probably the most important offensive position in the game. Countless teams have been built based on who fills the center slot and that is because of the significance of the position. I feel like the best centers are the ones with the best all around game. Centers should be the best playmakers, but should also do more than pay their dues defensively.
So, I’ve created a list, and be as brutal as you’d like with the comments. But this list isn’t just about points; it’s also about leadership, defensive abilities, and the roundedness of the player. Honestly the current great NHL centers couldn’t possibly be truly narrowed down to a ten-person list, so I’ll try to make it as fair as possible. Instead of the list being based on the current best centers in the league, I’ll focus, and break down the centers that played the best during the 2009-2010 season. Also, to level out the playing field I’m not adding any centers that have a minus rating in the +/- statistic. This is because, as I said, a truly great center can make ends meet offensively and defensively.
Here is the list:
1. Sidney Crosby (Pit)
This one is fairly obvious. He’s been the face of the league since his debut in ’06, but what has been his best asset is his consistency. In 09’-’10, he was second in points with 109, scored 51 goals, tying him for first, and had 58 assists making him 8th overall in that column. Besides the fact that Crosby can put numbers on the boards, his overall play has been the most impressive of any other player this season. He has a 55.9% faceoff stat, and that should not be overlooked. Crosby had a plus 15 rating, putting him at the 11th position amongst centers this season. But, most notably, Crosby put up 13 power-play goals, and had 6 game winning goals, proving that he can play hard when the team needs it the most.
2. Jonathan Toews (Chi)
Although his point stat isn’t too impressive (68), and he only scored 25 goals, Toews impressed the hockey world with his level of play this season. But Toews can stand by his reputation as a great center in the NHL with his plus 22 rating, and 57.3% faceoff win stats. This year should be called “the Toews year,” as the Winnipeg native, 22-year-old won an Olympic Gold Medal with team Canada, the Conn Smyth Trophy for best player during the playoffs, and, of course, captained the Chicago Blackhawks to their Stanley Cup victory. Toews may not put up the greatest numbers but his leadership is respected throughout the league. Also, his efforts have put him on the cover of EA Sport’s NHL 11 game coming out in September.
3. Nicklas Backstrom (Was)
The ’09-’10 season was a breakout year for Backstrom. And although it may not be so difficult to get a few assists when your line mate is Alexander Ovechkin, Backstrom has 68, a very impressive number that put him at third on the assists list amongst centers last season. At only 22-years-old, Backstrom is already making a name for himself, and with his 33 goals, plus 37 rating, 11 power-play goals, 4 game winning goals, and 49.9% faceoff wins, he was one of the most well-rounded centers in the league. Although the Capitals haven’t accomplished their cup-winning goal yet, Backstrom has already proven to be a powerful asset to the team, and a potential force for their victory in the near future.
4. Henrik Sedin (Van)
Amongst centers, Henrik Sedin is #1 in points with 112. With a plus 35 rating, five game-winning goals, 49.5% Faceoff wins, and 23 goals to add to the 83 assists he got this year, it’s obvious that Sedin has made a name for himself as a playmaking star. This was a breakout year for Sedin, and the only reason he isn’t higher on his list is because of his consistency. Although this list is about the ’09-’10 season, a great center should still be a factor on a year-to-year basis. It’s questionable whether the 112 points were just part of a great road ahead, or just a good year for him. If he can match that number (or at least come close) it would be no question that he deserves the credit for a top 3 spot on the list of the current best centers.
5. Joe Thornton (SJ)
Big Joe Thornton has already taken the reputation of a great playmaking center man, and his name would probably been on this list since the ’99-’00 season. He’s a great leader, and has arguably the best pass in the current NHL, and with the second most assists of the ’09-’10 season at 69, a plus 17 rating, and 53.9% faceoff wins, Thornton is consistent with his great reputation, yet again.
6. Ryan Kesler (Van)
Kesler probably wouldn’t be considered for most of the best center position lists, but for the sake of his well roundedness I think it is well deserved. Some may consider Kesler the best defensive center in the league, and it’s his defensive skills that put him on this list. A good team needs a good checking line, and with a plethora of fights, and enforcement, Kesler is unmatched in this arena. But the most impressive part about him is that, unlike many of the other defensive centers, Kesler can definitely score. He had 50 assists this year, 7th in the league, and that added to his 104 penalty minutes, Kesler has proven to be a Jack-of-all-trades.
7. Anze Kopitar (LA)
22-years-old, 7th in points last season with 81, 34 goals, 47 assists, a plus 6 rating, and a 49.7% faceoff rating makes Kopitar more than just notable. The world is still waiting for his King’s to win the Cup, and there is no doubt in my mind that Kopitar will be lifting it if that happens. He’s a future great, a present great, and best of all, he probably hasn’t peaked yeat. He deserves the spot on this list because of his work ethic, and in that he has the game-play to make him one of the best NHL centers in today’s league.
8. Ryan Getzlaf (Ana)
With Niedermayer retired, and Selanne potentially on the way out, there is no better Duck to take the role as captain than Ryan Getzlaf. He’s a power-forward play-maker, with the checking skills to match his offensive skills, making him one of the most well-rounded players the league has to offer. Getzlaf was 17th in points (69), 8th in assists, and had a plus 4 rating on a team that had a bad season. Even when the Ducks aren’t doing so well, Getzlaf plays his heart out, and with a cup already under his belt, Getzlaf would be a prime candidate for captaincy to renew the Duck’s reputation of success.
9. Pavel Datsyuk (Det)
Despite being one of the top five best forwards in the NHL over the last five years, Datsyuk didn’t have an incredible season. Consistency is important, and Datsyuk isn’t getting any younger, and thus, if he wants to continue to build his reputation for greatness, he’ll have to add more than just 70 points in a season. However, it should be noted that Datsyuk having an off year is like any other forward having a good year. He’s fast, he’s possibly the best puck-handling skills in the league, and he has a plus 17 rating. He’s a four-time Lady Bing Memorial Trophy winner, and a three time Frank J. Selke trophy winner, as well as a two time Stanley Cup Champion and an Olympic bronze medal winner with team Russia. Datsyuk has paid his dues, and would have a place on this list over the past five-six years. No doubt Datsyuk is a star-caliber, well-rounded center.
10. Paul Statsny (Col)
I think the league is still waiting for the Colorado Avalanche to reestablish their stardom in the league, and Paul Statsny would be a candidate to lead them there. He was 5th in assists with 59, and 8th in points, with a plus 2 rating, and 50% on faceoff wins. He was also a silver medal winner in the Olympics with team USA this year, and although he has yet to peak, he deserves a spot on this list for being a leader and an important part of a rebuilding team, that managed to surprise the league with it’s success last season.
So there you have it, my picks for the top 10 centers of ’09-’10. I’m sure many will disagree, but please consider the overall performance of a player, rather than just the points, or assists statistics.
Sources:
Nhl.com
Yahoo
Here is the list, and the link to the page is below:
1. Sidney Crosby (Pit)
2. Pavel Datsyuk (Det)
3. Henrik Sedin (Van)
4. Jonathan Toews (Chi)
5. Mike Richards (Phi)
6. Evgeni Malkin (Pit)
7. Mikko Koivu (Min)
8. Joe Thornton (SJ)
9. Nicklas Backstrom (Was)
10. Ryan Getzlaf (Ana)
Yahoo
Now, this list is totally up for debate, and just like the people who wrote the countless angry comments, I too have my issues with the list. I want to look at it with no biases, so instead of picking favorites based on team, and points I’d like to truly consider what it takes to be a first (or second) line center in the NHL.
Centers are probably the most important offensive position in the game. Countless teams have been built based on who fills the center slot and that is because of the significance of the position. I feel like the best centers are the ones with the best all around game. Centers should be the best playmakers, but should also do more than pay their dues defensively.
So, I’ve created a list, and be as brutal as you’d like with the comments. But this list isn’t just about points; it’s also about leadership, defensive abilities, and the roundedness of the player. Honestly the current great NHL centers couldn’t possibly be truly narrowed down to a ten-person list, so I’ll try to make it as fair as possible. Instead of the list being based on the current best centers in the league, I’ll focus, and break down the centers that played the best during the 2009-2010 season. Also, to level out the playing field I’m not adding any centers that have a minus rating in the +/- statistic. This is because, as I said, a truly great center can make ends meet offensively and defensively.
Here is the list:
1. Sidney Crosby (Pit)
This one is fairly obvious. He’s been the face of the league since his debut in ’06, but what has been his best asset is his consistency. In 09’-’10, he was second in points with 109, scored 51 goals, tying him for first, and had 58 assists making him 8th overall in that column. Besides the fact that Crosby can put numbers on the boards, his overall play has been the most impressive of any other player this season. He has a 55.9% faceoff stat, and that should not be overlooked. Crosby had a plus 15 rating, putting him at the 11th position amongst centers this season. But, most notably, Crosby put up 13 power-play goals, and had 6 game winning goals, proving that he can play hard when the team needs it the most.
2. Jonathan Toews (Chi)
Although his point stat isn’t too impressive (68), and he only scored 25 goals, Toews impressed the hockey world with his level of play this season. But Toews can stand by his reputation as a great center in the NHL with his plus 22 rating, and 57.3% faceoff win stats. This year should be called “the Toews year,” as the Winnipeg native, 22-year-old won an Olympic Gold Medal with team Canada, the Conn Smyth Trophy for best player during the playoffs, and, of course, captained the Chicago Blackhawks to their Stanley Cup victory. Toews may not put up the greatest numbers but his leadership is respected throughout the league. Also, his efforts have put him on the cover of EA Sport’s NHL 11 game coming out in September.
3. Nicklas Backstrom (Was)
The ’09-’10 season was a breakout year for Backstrom. And although it may not be so difficult to get a few assists when your line mate is Alexander Ovechkin, Backstrom has 68, a very impressive number that put him at third on the assists list amongst centers last season. At only 22-years-old, Backstrom is already making a name for himself, and with his 33 goals, plus 37 rating, 11 power-play goals, 4 game winning goals, and 49.9% faceoff wins, he was one of the most well-rounded centers in the league. Although the Capitals haven’t accomplished their cup-winning goal yet, Backstrom has already proven to be a powerful asset to the team, and a potential force for their victory in the near future.
4. Henrik Sedin (Van)
Amongst centers, Henrik Sedin is #1 in points with 112. With a plus 35 rating, five game-winning goals, 49.5% Faceoff wins, and 23 goals to add to the 83 assists he got this year, it’s obvious that Sedin has made a name for himself as a playmaking star. This was a breakout year for Sedin, and the only reason he isn’t higher on his list is because of his consistency. Although this list is about the ’09-’10 season, a great center should still be a factor on a year-to-year basis. It’s questionable whether the 112 points were just part of a great road ahead, or just a good year for him. If he can match that number (or at least come close) it would be no question that he deserves the credit for a top 3 spot on the list of the current best centers.
5. Joe Thornton (SJ)
Big Joe Thornton has already taken the reputation of a great playmaking center man, and his name would probably been on this list since the ’99-’00 season. He’s a great leader, and has arguably the best pass in the current NHL, and with the second most assists of the ’09-’10 season at 69, a plus 17 rating, and 53.9% faceoff wins, Thornton is consistent with his great reputation, yet again.
6. Ryan Kesler (Van)
Kesler probably wouldn’t be considered for most of the best center position lists, but for the sake of his well roundedness I think it is well deserved. Some may consider Kesler the best defensive center in the league, and it’s his defensive skills that put him on this list. A good team needs a good checking line, and with a plethora of fights, and enforcement, Kesler is unmatched in this arena. But the most impressive part about him is that, unlike many of the other defensive centers, Kesler can definitely score. He had 50 assists this year, 7th in the league, and that added to his 104 penalty minutes, Kesler has proven to be a Jack-of-all-trades.
7. Anze Kopitar (LA)
22-years-old, 7th in points last season with 81, 34 goals, 47 assists, a plus 6 rating, and a 49.7% faceoff rating makes Kopitar more than just notable. The world is still waiting for his King’s to win the Cup, and there is no doubt in my mind that Kopitar will be lifting it if that happens. He’s a future great, a present great, and best of all, he probably hasn’t peaked yeat. He deserves the spot on this list because of his work ethic, and in that he has the game-play to make him one of the best NHL centers in today’s league.
8. Ryan Getzlaf (Ana)
With Niedermayer retired, and Selanne potentially on the way out, there is no better Duck to take the role as captain than Ryan Getzlaf. He’s a power-forward play-maker, with the checking skills to match his offensive skills, making him one of the most well-rounded players the league has to offer. Getzlaf was 17th in points (69), 8th in assists, and had a plus 4 rating on a team that had a bad season. Even when the Ducks aren’t doing so well, Getzlaf plays his heart out, and with a cup already under his belt, Getzlaf would be a prime candidate for captaincy to renew the Duck’s reputation of success.
9. Pavel Datsyuk (Det)
Despite being one of the top five best forwards in the NHL over the last five years, Datsyuk didn’t have an incredible season. Consistency is important, and Datsyuk isn’t getting any younger, and thus, if he wants to continue to build his reputation for greatness, he’ll have to add more than just 70 points in a season. However, it should be noted that Datsyuk having an off year is like any other forward having a good year. He’s fast, he’s possibly the best puck-handling skills in the league, and he has a plus 17 rating. He’s a four-time Lady Bing Memorial Trophy winner, and a three time Frank J. Selke trophy winner, as well as a two time Stanley Cup Champion and an Olympic bronze medal winner with team Russia. Datsyuk has paid his dues, and would have a place on this list over the past five-six years. No doubt Datsyuk is a star-caliber, well-rounded center.
10. Paul Statsny (Col)
I think the league is still waiting for the Colorado Avalanche to reestablish their stardom in the league, and Paul Statsny would be a candidate to lead them there. He was 5th in assists with 59, and 8th in points, with a plus 2 rating, and 50% on faceoff wins. He was also a silver medal winner in the Olympics with team USA this year, and although he has yet to peak, he deserves a spot on this list for being a leader and an important part of a rebuilding team, that managed to surprise the league with it’s success last season.
So there you have it, my picks for the top 10 centers of ’09-’10. I’m sure many will disagree, but please consider the overall performance of a player, rather than just the points, or assists statistics.
Sources:
Nhl.com
Yahoo
Friday, July 23, 2010
The New Jersey Devils, Present/Future
It’s safe to say that the 2005 National Hockey League lockout brought on great change within the league. With a fresh cast of stars, such as Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin being comparable to past heroes Stevie Yzerman and Jaromir Jagr, it’s obvious that adjustments have been made to create a new generation of hockey. Every team is forced to comply with the salary cap rule that has been in place since the lockout, and thus teams are being more careful with their money. The role of the youth within the league is quite possibly stronger than ever, as can be seen with Chicago Blackhawks stars Jonathon Toews (age 22), and Patrick Kane (age 21) leading the ‘hawks to winning the Stanley Cup for the first time since the 1960-61 season.
Since the lockout in the NHL, the New Jersey Devils, one of the most successful teams in the last 20 years, have been caught in a standstill. The last three NHL playoffs, they have fallen out in the first round, to three rival teams (NYR, CAR, PHI), after having much success during the season. With arguably the greatest goaltender in the history of the game (Martin Brodeur), on the way out, at age 38 with just two years left on his contract, it has been hinted year after year that the Devil’s organization were going to do whatever it takes to bring another cup to Jersey.
The team has made several changes, and given the fans new faces to cheer on, such as 25-year-old U.S. born sniper Zach Parise, 26-year-old pest David Clarkson and perhaps most notably 27-year-old Russian superstar winger Ilya Kovalchuk. However, the Devils reputation of success is still in question after an embarrassing 4-1 series loss to the rival Philadelphia Flyers, in the first round of the playoffs.
Kovalchuk, aquired by the Devils from Atlanta last trade deadline, was believed to be the changing force for the team, allowing them to as competitive as conference rivals the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Washington Capitals. However Kovy has proven to be more of a headache than any good to the team. This summer’s offseason brought on an end to his contract, finishing a short-lived career with the Devils, and leaving the hockey world dumbfounded as to Kovy’s next step. The Devils, who have struggled offensively over the last several seasons, are working feverishly to make a deal with the superstar, who would almost guarantee an added 40 goals to their season. But with the added salary cap, and a whole mess of a team to reorganize, the superstar winger seems more like a holiday daydream than a reality. Adding Kovalchuk, who, as rumor has it, is already asking for big bucks to play, could mean financial issues for the team in the near and possibly far future.
So the question is whether or not The Devils will be able to find a way to keep the winger without too many changes to the team, or if they can manage to make the correct changes without the help of Kovy next season to reestablish their Stanley Cup winning reputation.
The key to an analysis of the situation is understanding the likelihood of resigning Kovy. Considering that The Devils have already signed three big name players to their roster (Jason Arnott, Henrik Tallinder, and Anton Volchenkov), it is estimated, after filling up the requirements for a full roster, that The Devils have approximately $1.5M left to spend. And considering that it’s rumored Kovy is looking for $10M a year over ten years, it seems there is some sort of miscalculation in the Devil’s den if they think he is affordable. The only way to sign Kovalchuk would be to significantly change the roster so that bigger wage players are replaced with less established lower paid players. However, this would mean deconstructing the core of the team.
There are few Devil’s fans who wouldn’t mind seeing the loss of the team’s long time hero Patrick Elias, or three-year captain and leader Jamie Langenbrunner, for the sake of big name superstar Kovy. It should be remembered that the Devil’s have made a reputation of growing their own stars, and focused more of their attention on the team effort, and not worth of their roster. So many fans could agree that the addition of Kovy is nothing anyone could have even seen coming.
So is it worth it give up core players, future funds, and the team balance that has lead to three Stanley Cups in 15 years, for the extra 40 goals added by Kovy? At this point it doesn’t, and with two weeks and the head-rush getting too painful to bare anymore, the excitement for Devs fans to have Kovy on the team is beginning to hit the harsh reality that he may not be the saving grace for the organization. Despite the extra ticket sales added by the superstar, and the higher level of play, every day Kovy doesn’t sign that contract it becomes clearer and clearer that his high demands just don’t seem like they are he Devil’s style. Besides, if the team were to give up some of their past heroes that have paved the way for the present team, and Kovy did somehow sign the $10M deal, he will be making almost twice what Brodeur makes, and Brodeur has been the team’s face since 1991. The fans surely could never recognize Kovalchuk, a player not in Jersey during the teams glory days, to overshadow the soon-to-be hall-of-famer goalie.
The point is that the New Jersey Devils undoubtedly need to make some necessary changes if they want to win that cup. Whether it’s through a back-breaking deal for Kovy, smart drafting over the next few years, or beginning to consider making trades and signings that will create a newer more comfortable team that resembles the old successful Devil’s organization, clearly changes must be made.
This offseason is going to be the biggest offseason for the team in the last five years. With new rookie coach John Mclean, and a roster not written in pen, the changes to come must be made carefully, so that the reputation of the New Jersey Devils will live on. Even if Kovy isn’t the new hero for the team, the next two months will involve a rebirth for the team. Besides, New Jersey born, 23-year-old rising star Bobby Ryan still hasn’t been signed by the Ducks yet. Regardless, Lou Lamoriello has a reputation to keep, and the Devils are planning to have a new day of glory and dynasty again. Expect big changes, higher scoring, and the team in red, that was once unstoppable, within the next 3-5 years.
Since the lockout in the NHL, the New Jersey Devils, one of the most successful teams in the last 20 years, have been caught in a standstill. The last three NHL playoffs, they have fallen out in the first round, to three rival teams (NYR, CAR, PHI), after having much success during the season. With arguably the greatest goaltender in the history of the game (Martin Brodeur), on the way out, at age 38 with just two years left on his contract, it has been hinted year after year that the Devil’s organization were going to do whatever it takes to bring another cup to Jersey.
The team has made several changes, and given the fans new faces to cheer on, such as 25-year-old U.S. born sniper Zach Parise, 26-year-old pest David Clarkson and perhaps most notably 27-year-old Russian superstar winger Ilya Kovalchuk. However, the Devils reputation of success is still in question after an embarrassing 4-1 series loss to the rival Philadelphia Flyers, in the first round of the playoffs.
Kovalchuk, aquired by the Devils from Atlanta last trade deadline, was believed to be the changing force for the team, allowing them to as competitive as conference rivals the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Washington Capitals. However Kovy has proven to be more of a headache than any good to the team. This summer’s offseason brought on an end to his contract, finishing a short-lived career with the Devils, and leaving the hockey world dumbfounded as to Kovy’s next step. The Devils, who have struggled offensively over the last several seasons, are working feverishly to make a deal with the superstar, who would almost guarantee an added 40 goals to their season. But with the added salary cap, and a whole mess of a team to reorganize, the superstar winger seems more like a holiday daydream than a reality. Adding Kovalchuk, who, as rumor has it, is already asking for big bucks to play, could mean financial issues for the team in the near and possibly far future.
So the question is whether or not The Devils will be able to find a way to keep the winger without too many changes to the team, or if they can manage to make the correct changes without the help of Kovy next season to reestablish their Stanley Cup winning reputation.
The key to an analysis of the situation is understanding the likelihood of resigning Kovy. Considering that The Devils have already signed three big name players to their roster (Jason Arnott, Henrik Tallinder, and Anton Volchenkov), it is estimated, after filling up the requirements for a full roster, that The Devils have approximately $1.5M left to spend. And considering that it’s rumored Kovy is looking for $10M a year over ten years, it seems there is some sort of miscalculation in the Devil’s den if they think he is affordable. The only way to sign Kovalchuk would be to significantly change the roster so that bigger wage players are replaced with less established lower paid players. However, this would mean deconstructing the core of the team.
There are few Devil’s fans who wouldn’t mind seeing the loss of the team’s long time hero Patrick Elias, or three-year captain and leader Jamie Langenbrunner, for the sake of big name superstar Kovy. It should be remembered that the Devil’s have made a reputation of growing their own stars, and focused more of their attention on the team effort, and not worth of their roster. So many fans could agree that the addition of Kovy is nothing anyone could have even seen coming.
So is it worth it give up core players, future funds, and the team balance that has lead to three Stanley Cups in 15 years, for the extra 40 goals added by Kovy? At this point it doesn’t, and with two weeks and the head-rush getting too painful to bare anymore, the excitement for Devs fans to have Kovy on the team is beginning to hit the harsh reality that he may not be the saving grace for the organization. Despite the extra ticket sales added by the superstar, and the higher level of play, every day Kovy doesn’t sign that contract it becomes clearer and clearer that his high demands just don’t seem like they are he Devil’s style. Besides, if the team were to give up some of their past heroes that have paved the way for the present team, and Kovy did somehow sign the $10M deal, he will be making almost twice what Brodeur makes, and Brodeur has been the team’s face since 1991. The fans surely could never recognize Kovalchuk, a player not in Jersey during the teams glory days, to overshadow the soon-to-be hall-of-famer goalie.
The point is that the New Jersey Devils undoubtedly need to make some necessary changes if they want to win that cup. Whether it’s through a back-breaking deal for Kovy, smart drafting over the next few years, or beginning to consider making trades and signings that will create a newer more comfortable team that resembles the old successful Devil’s organization, clearly changes must be made.
This offseason is going to be the biggest offseason for the team in the last five years. With new rookie coach John Mclean, and a roster not written in pen, the changes to come must be made carefully, so that the reputation of the New Jersey Devils will live on. Even if Kovy isn’t the new hero for the team, the next two months will involve a rebirth for the team. Besides, New Jersey born, 23-year-old rising star Bobby Ryan still hasn’t been signed by the Ducks yet. Regardless, Lou Lamoriello has a reputation to keep, and the Devils are planning to have a new day of glory and dynasty again. Expect big changes, higher scoring, and the team in red, that was once unstoppable, within the next 3-5 years.
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