THE KOVALCHUK/ISLANDERS LIVE BLOG
Islanders are out; this blog ends Tuesday AM
CB at FanHouse on Islanders/Kovalchuk
10:30 pm: Katie Strang of Newsday reports that the Islanders are out of the Ilya Kovachuk sweepstakes (subscription required). She writes: “It is believed that while the Islanders’ interest was legitimate, they never entered a serious stage of discussion with Kovalchuk’s camp nor made an offer.”
Garth Snow told Newsday, “We have interest in the top free agents now and we will in the future.”
For the Islanders, it’s on to a possible agreement with Matt Moulson before he goes to arbitration (he filed today). Prospect camp starts for the Islanders on Wednesday.
This Live Blog will self-destruct at some point on Tuesday morning.
11:30 am, Monday: After more than 60 hours of rumor, innuendo, some hilarious commentary in the U.S. and Canada and some strategical stretching of the truth, there is very little left to report or to say.
Some time, as early as this afternoon, but possibly not for another week or so, Ilya Kovalchuk is going to sign a contract with a hockey team. It will be with a team in the NHL, not the KHL, as I’ve written consistently here and at FanHouse.
Oh, there could be a report – leaked, of course – about an Islanders meeting with Kovalchuk. Rumors of other teams, not the Kings (still in it), Islanders and Devils will emerge. All of it may be fun July reading. Little of it will matter until the final decision.
If this sounds like I’m personally getting out of the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes, you would be correct. There simply is not much to cover anymore. Agent Jay Grossman, whom I know fairly well, is a private man and professional. You have not seen him quoted once since July 1. Garth Snow, whom I used to work with, does a good job of keeping his team’s business quiet – the Hamhuis/Martin/Friday Night Lights show notwithstanding. When Garth has something big to say, he’ll almost certainly tell it (with good reason) to the one media outlet that covers his team 365 days a year.
This site has covered all it could. Around everything else I need to turn my attention to personally and professionally, I hope to have a few stories from the Islanders’ prospect camp – open Wednesday and closed to the general public except for a scrimmage on Saturday night at the Coliseum. (Tickets are $10. Go to the team site for details).
When Kovalchuk finally chooses the Islanders or another team, I expect to hear it from a Point Blank reader first. So…
One more time with feeling…
- There has never been an offer of $100 million for ten years. There doesn’t have to be for the Islanders to sign Kovalchuk.
- The Islanders’ interest is tied in large part to the plight of the Lighthouse Project. Kate Murray’s cut-rate vision for the project will be unveiled any day now. There’s an excellent chance the Town of Hempstead and Kovalchuk stories – for better and worse – could collide on the same day.
- The Islanders’ interest in Kovalchuk is serious, professional and on-going. There has been contact with agent Jay Grossman beyond Garth Snow’s claim of just one preliminary call at 9:00 pm on Friday.
- If the Islanders really want Kovalchuk, they can sign him.
Thanks for hanging with me these last few days. The next post in this live blog with be Kovalchuk’s destination.
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7:10 pm: The LA Times reports that the Kings are out, no longer willing to satisfy Ilya Kovalchuk‘s demands. But, of course, they are not 100% out.
Imagine you’re LA general manager Dean Lombardi. You’re negotiating privately, and then all of a sudden reports come seemingly out of nowhere late Friday night about the Islanders. About ten years and $100 million. If half the hockey world is skeptical, how do you think Lombardi felt.
The Kings, like everyone else, is positioning. Lombardi is saying two can play that game. You know that if Jay Grossman calls him back, the GM is going to take the call. Lombardi is a smooth operator. For the time being, he has decided he didn’t want to be operated on.
Nevertheless, this is good news for the Islanders, Devils and any other teams interested in adding the supreme goal scorer to their roster. Lombardi claims the Kings are out. Garth Snow is only on record as saying the Islanders are in.
2:45 pm, Sunday: On this beautiful Fourth of July, there is only one thing to know about the Islanders and Ilya Kovachuk. If Charles Wang really wants the all-star right wing, he can get him.
Kovalchuk has yet to be blown away by any offers. If he was, most notably from Los Angeles and New Jersey, he would have signed by now. Wang and the Islanders have the cap floor space. This is the money they are going to have to spend anyway. Are they going to spread it around instead to more third-liners and fifth defensemen? If the Islanders truly have the desire to make Kovalchuk a Lighthouse Project impact statement and a Roman Candle to the slow and steady rebuild, they can.
There is no offer of $100 million for ten years. There doesn’t have to be. What Wang and Garth Snow must produce – again, if they want Kovalchuk in the orange and blue for his prime years – is an offer Kovalchuk and Jay Grossman cannot refuse. Make them an offer so strong, the agent wouldn’t waste his time shopping it to Lou Lamoriello and Dean Lombardi. Make them an offer max-capppers like Paul Holmgren and Glen Sather could not even try to match.
It doesn’t have to be for $10 million a year.
For now, enjoy your Fourth of July. Maybe the Fifth, too. There will probably be just two more entries in this running live blog: a final thought tomorrow, and then – whenever it may be – the news of Kovalchuk’s destination (if I’m around a computer when Katie or Dregs or Pierre or Larry or someone else breaks it).
Time will tell why Wang authorized Snow to confirm to the media on Friday night that he made the phone calls to Grossman. For what it’s worth, I don’t know if the Islanders will land the big fish – four out of five top-level reporters surveyed say Ilya will go to LA – but I’m confident that Wang’s interest in Kovalchuk is pure and legitimate.
All anyone needs to know is, if he wants to be All Ilyalanders, Charles Wang can make it happen.
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12:15 am, Saturday: Oh yeah, this is already in the nutso stage. The Kovalchuk-Islanders blockbuster reports first crashed Twitter at 10:15 tonight. In a story just posted at Newsday, the very reliable Katie Strang has Garth Snow on the record saying he only made a “preliminary” call around 9:00 tonight. Amazing how one preliminary call led to reports of the Islanders considering offers of $100 million less than an hour and a half later.
My information, as written at FanHouse, is that Snow’s first inquiry about Kovalchuk came earlier than tonight. Oh no, I may get hit with another “totally ficticious” label.
12:35 am: Interesting that, just as Kovalchuk-to-the-Islanders hysteria sweeps the land, Garth Snow dials it down in his interview with Newsday, saying his contact was merely doing “due diligence.” This is not what others have been told.
1:15 am: It’s not like the Islanders are playing around to drive up the price for a rival like the Rangers. The biggest bidder is likely Los Angeles. Knowing the respect Garth Snow has for Lou Lamoriello, he also wouldn’t be looking to totally screw over the Devils. Again, I cannot see the Islanders taking their fans down this path and falling way short.
1:40: Probably the last note for the night, since I’m fairly certain the Islanders’ executive offices at the Coliseum emptied out long ago. Not to be Captain Obvious, but it should be understood that anything that has happened and will happen regarding the Islanders and Ilya Kovalchuk, is all from Charles Wang. The owner negotiated Alexei Yashin’s contract, he proposed the idea for the landmark deal for Rick DiPietro. Today, he is as involved as he ever has been. Fact: he worked the draft table last weekend as much as any of the scouts.
No, Garth Snow did not wake up on Friday morning and think, “Here’s an idea: let’s see what it would take to sign Kovalchuk”! No matter how this Ilya adventure plays out, know for better or for worse that this is the work of Charles Wang.
****(On a personal note, my family finally moves into a new home on Saturday. I’ll get on this story as much as I can, so I’m sure you’ll regularly check your other main sources. Hey, when I got married, it turned out to be between rounds 1 and 2 of the ’93 playoffs. We thought the date was safe when we booked it).
9:15 am: Did that all really happen last night? Helene Elliott writing the Islanders are close to a deal with Ilya Kovalchuk…Darren Dreger saying the Islanders are willing to bid huge…Garth Snow confirming to Pierre LeBrun that his team is in play…Twitter exploding at 10:15, yet Garth telling Newsday he only made an initial, “preliminary” call at 9:00…The email I received and subsequent conversations with insiders telling me the Islanders began reaching out to agent Jay Grossman way before 9:00 Friday night.
Yes, I guess it did. Sobering up (I mean me), the estimable Dreger still thinks Kovalchuk is going to LA.
As I’m sure most of you know, there comes a point when reporters start asking colleagues questions of insiders on background. I woke up this morning to several texts, emails and Twitter DMs from writers, talk show hosts and studio analysts are asking a varation on this:
Are the Islanders really in on Kovalchuk, or is this just an agent creating a marketplace?
My answer: Garth Snow is on record saying they are. If it turns out to just be transparent PR shenanigans to help an agent, give another team psuedo competition or a lame attempt to make themselves look good, the Islanders would be crucified.
No, I really find it hard to believe that’s the game the Islanders are playing. I thought the leaking of supposedly strong offers for Martin and Hamhuis was beyond lame – and getting agents to back them up – was sadly obvious and regrettable. But that’s old news. The Islanders are in play for a six-time 40-goal scorer now, not a pair of unfalsh defensemen. No way they do this to their fanbase.
9:20: Correction to what I’m seeing from commenters: agent Grossman has not created the buzz about his client to the Islanders. Garth Snow went on record to ESPN confirming he is in play for Kovalchuk. That’s the buzz.
12:48, The New Home Office: This might not seem like much, but I feel that it is. More than 14 hours after the news first broke on Twitter about the Islanders being interested in Ilya Kovalchuk, there has been a record amount of guesses advertised as breaking-news and a few lies told for the benefit of positioning.
All that said, know this about the Islanders’ interest in Kovalchuk: it is legitimate and sincere. It is also on-going. Maybe three people associated with the Islanders are in on it. You know who they are: Charles Wang, Garth Snow and possibly a capologist/numbers cruncher. By now, you should know the notion of a coaching staff and scouts sitting around the Coliseum going, “Hmm…let’s see…do we want Kovalchuk? What impact would he have on our young players? What would our top lines look like?”…let’s just say – like the drafting of Kirill Kabanov, that’s not what’s going on.
Of course, Charles Wang should be involved in this one. You’re looking at a transaction of somewhere between $50 and $120 million – all of it his money.
Bottom line, the Islanders are in this to sign Ilya Kovalchuk. More on this later. I have at least one significant tidbit of information I’d like to get confirmation on from a second source. Confident I will.
4:45 pm: Is it worth tens of millions of dollars to Charles Wang to announce the acquisition of a franchise-shifting NHL all-star like Ilya Kovalchuk during a week when Kate Murray is expected to unveil her vision for what can be developed on the Nassau Coliseum property? It very well could be.
Sources confirm that the Islanders’ pursuit of the two-time 50-goal scorer is inextricably linked to the status of the Lighthouse Project. As much as the Islanders know how much the addition of Kovalchuk will lead to victories on the ice – for the cost of a contract, not players and draft picks – Wang sees his acquisition as the ultimate statement in the battle to obtain off-the-charts Islanders fan support and convince the Town of Hempstead to work with him and keep the Islanders in Nassau County. Build the team, and they will come.
In other words, the initial tweet of TSN’s Darren Dreger – “Wang needs more star power to get his arena project pushed forward” – was dead-on.
Now the question is, what is Kovalchuk’s timing versus Wang’s? Can Kovalchuk and his agent wait for Wang’s offer, or does he take the best offer in the next day or so from Los Angeles or New Jersey or any other mystery teams out there? Kovalchuk and agent Jay Grossman appear to be taking their time. Kovalchuk is by far the best free agent forward available – and is arguably superior to anyone available on the open market a year from now, it’s worth pointing out.
(To be clear, despite reports of the Islanders already having $100 million for ten years on the table for Kovalchuk, I have not confirmed the existence of a solid offer by the team.)
Consistent with how the Islanders played negotiations with Dan Hamhuis and Paul Martin, details of the Islanders’ offer will eventually be made known to a media outlet. This time, the Islanders hope it comes with the successful reeling in of the biggest fish in this year’s market.
Make no mistake: the timing of the Kovalchuk/Islanders news with Supervisor Murray’s any-day-now Lighthouse push-back is the story here. To Wang and the Islanders, Kovalchuk is about winning hockey games and taking a leap in what was a slow and steady rebuild. But he’s about so much more.
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Entries from Friday Night into Saturday Morning
10:30 pm: Well, this is fascinating, no matter how it shakes out. Just as I’m alerted to Darren Dreger’s tweet about the Islanders supposedly making a push for Ilya Kovalchuk, I notice the highly-respected Helene Elliott of the LA Times tweets something similar. Worth noting that Helene writes about the Kings, considered one of the frontrunners for Kovalchuk.
So I sit down to write about this for Point Blank, and I get this email from a major power broker in the industry:
Just a heads up, Wang and Snow are making a huge push to grab Kovalchuk. They are $9M under the floor and Charles believes signing Kovy will be the catalyst for finally getting the Lighthouse approved.
Pretty wild. Guy has my cellphone number. Sends an email to the Point Blank web address. To be candid with you, I love the guy, but for a second it sorta felt like I was being played. Turns out I wasn’t.
Because then Garth Snow texted Pierre LeBrun to confirm the Islanders are bidding for Kovalchuk.
What does it all mean? Well, for starters, Kovalchuk and his agent, Jay Grossman, now may have an additional bidder for the star’s services.
If you’re an Islanders follower, you have to be intrigued. If Charles Wang was okay with giving $30 million to an unflashy defenseman like Dan Hamhuis, what’s $80 million for an every-season 40-goal scorer?
10:55 pm: Here’s what I’m wrestling with. I love Kovalchuk as a player. Would be ecstatic if he came here for Charles Wang’s money. Even acknowledging the Islanders would be better, does Ilya Kovalchuk get a $4 billion mega real estate development done?
The timing is fascinating. This comes out on a Friday night, Fourth of July weekend, when Kate Murray’s vision for the Lighthouse is expected to be unveiled any day now.
11:38: As I just wrote on Twitter, I don’t see the Islanders taking their fans down this road and then coming up way short. Charles Wang knows he cannot do that. So does Garth.
11:40: Working on a story for FanHouse, with some new information, that should be up around midnight. Will link here, and start new entries at the top of this post.
Comments.
1,399 Responses to THE KOVALCHUK/ISLANDERS LIVE BLOG
Islanders are out; this blog ends Tuesday AM
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DaveyD says:
I just saw that too. 5 or 6 years at 8.5 or 9 million for a perennial 40 goal scorer sounds like a good deal to me. Plus u put him on a line with JT and KO and it opens up room for JT to do what he does best and thats be lethal 5 feet from the net. All their focus will be on Kovi. If wang can get Kovi to sign that would be hughe
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gordy lane says:
well it is definitely worth a look. I do not care so much about the years but it is more about the money and how it will effect us down the line with KO and JT. sorry you had to put down your cold one and fill us in. we all appreciate it though.
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Section 303 says:
Wow, checking site one last time thinking we were done, and now this. Don’t know what to think. “Catalyst to getting LH done”. That might be an overreach but he sure would put fans in the seats.
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Pete says:
There is no better piece to the rebuild than kovy for so many reasons.
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Chummlee says:
I agree. That would be fantastic. But I will not get my hopes up. For that kind of money we can sign every franchises’ P.A. Parenteau and Zenon Kononpka
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ralf says:
Darren Dreger tweet:
Would Kovalchuk consider the Islanders? Why not? Rumblings the Isles may make a mega millions, mega year pitch. They need the contract.
please,please,please let this happen.
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jeff says:
I have been saying this all along, go get Ilya and the league will have to listen to us.
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Brian says:
I really hope the Islanders are not being played here to drive up Kovalchuk’s price tag to the Kings or Devils. If true, this would be absolutely awesome.
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matt says:
PLEASE SIGN HIM OMG I WOULD CRY
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Matt says:
its negotiating 101
the isles are perfect pawns
the kings failed to sign dman
they need kovy
the agent just needs to make the kings think kovy would consider nyi
it looks like their beat writer bit. I doubt Lombardi will -
As much as I love this team, I’ll believe it when I see it but I’ll hold on to my season tickets.
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doc says:
skeptical to say the least…
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Bobby Banton says:
YESSSS!!!! GO GET HIM SNOWY
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jpa says:
hmm.. no complaints about Snow or wang yet. Curious.
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JoeConte says:
still doesn’t get lighthouse built, so the logic doesn’t add up
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WEHM Anthony says:
I been saying this for the longest time, and everyone was calling me crazy… It just makes too much sense, We have all the cap space… He’s 27 and still young!!! This would up ticket sales and make us legit!
I love the patience but adding a 40 goal scorer that doesn’t kill your cap just makes too much sense.
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dman says:
that would have no impact on the lighthouse… that’s ridiculous… you really think john candy’s twin brother is looking at all of this or cares? no way!
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Neil says:
I hope we’re not being b.s.-ed with another: “Shucks, just missed out on another UFA! We were right there!” This needs to be a legit story, a blow-him-out-of-the-water offer or the NYI are doing a terrible thing to their fans.
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Quagmire says:
Agree w/ #7 – the agent is probably leaking this to make LA think they have competition. Would be great, but I will not get my hopes up.
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Jim says:
This is just cruel torture. Ilya would be an awesome fit but don’t you think he’s had enough “playing for a rebuilding team”. Granted, we were and continue to be lightyears ahead of Atlanta in prospect development. I’m not losing sleep tonight just to be pissed off when he signs with the Rangers tomorrow.
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This is just cruel torture. Ilya would be an awesome fit but don’t you think he’s had enough “playing for a rebuilding team”. Granted, we were and continue to be lightyears ahead of Atlanta in prospect development. I’m not losing sleep tonight just to be pissed off when he signs with the Rangers tomorrow.
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Neil says:
Kovalchuk could have 12 million a year for 10 years from Atlanta and missed the playoffs in an empty building. Snow may be bidding hard, but he also was ready to personally drive an armored bank truck to Hamhuis and Martin’s houses too, and look where they went. There’s a reason Mark Eaton and Zenon Konopka are the best signings the Islanders had. They’re still a few seasons away from landing big name FA’s.
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You think Garth Snow would let himself get played? This is a guy who’s totally close to the vest–remember the Tavares situation last summer, and he texted LeBrun to say he was in on this. He wants to get our fanbase riled up, because something awesome is going to happen.
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tom says:
do it
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Good luck, Garth. If Kovalachuck is signed we have to bring “The Kirils” to the NHL.
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Ryan says:
I have a strange feeling Grossman and kovalchuk are playing the islanders…hope not but I think they are
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Andy says:
I refuse to get my hopes up that much, but this is a welcome bit of excitement to kick off the holiday weekend!
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Paul says:
Dreger just tweeted that the offer is 10 years, 10 million a year.
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pete debenedetto says:
So as I scour one last time tonight, I do the following in this order..
..eat a bowl of Frosted Flakes
..check IPB to find nothing new
..check hockey buzz because it’s pretty funny–notice the blurb about Ilya and the Isles
..check TSN–notice the story about the sources and the Islanders
..check IPB again as sure as…well, you know…BAM, CB is on it. I’m e-mailing you my cell number–call at any hour of the night to tell me this is done. Otherwise, the four we signed will have to do. -
give that money to nassau reps and the lhp gets built
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jon says:
100 million….too much
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woohoo says:
lets go garth!!! lets go wang!!!
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10 years, 10 mil—I don’t care if I have to pay 20 bucks for parking, if it gets Kovy in here.
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Knowing the negotiating games businessmen play, I will not get my hopes up until its done. We could be getting played to make a smaller offer in a market like LA seem more appealing.
The thought of getting a goal scorer like this is quite intriguing and I just hope the organization is prepared for a personality like Kovy.
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@JoeConte
Now there’s an idea…
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so all those 1600 comments yesterday and the couple of hundred today that were bashing wang and snow (I know not everyone but that was definitely the theme). If we get him then everyone will love them again. If they cannot pull it off will the fans say it is the building or they were just making a token gesture to make them look good. so I guess the weekend off from P.B. is not going to happen.
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mike says:
Glad everyone is still working at 10:47 pm to land an all star!
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Brother Rat says:
can’t believe I’m reading this! let’s hope Garth plays this smartly (but those numbers are astounding, wow). Ilya could be a major, major cog. instant cred. show him the money, Wayne & Garth. Please!
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10 for 10 is NOT too much for what this guy could do for this franchise. He could single handedly fast-forward the rebuild 2 years and save the Islanders along with the prospects that they have…!
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kevin fitz says:
ummmm… wow… if that actually happens… wow
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Shred Instead says:
MAN!! I have to get up in 4 hours to start the drive to Cape Cod. How am I supposed to get to sleep NOW !!!???!!!
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Teller says:
10mil12years plus lighthouse revenue sharing let’s go Garth
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
All for it, but that is alot of $$ and a long time. Hopefully an inspiration for our Kirils to come over. These type of contracts are sometimes the beginning of the end for players.
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Worth a gamble though…
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PotvinRocks says:
This all could be a ploy considering we lost big time on Martin & Hamhius.
Kovalchuk at 9 is a good deal for struggling team that wants to take a step in the right direction. Drafted players are great for setting a base but you also need big time free agents to push you over the top. Considering Zack Parise could be a free agent next year isn’t 9 too much.
PS. #11 is the funniest post
PSS. CB, I bet you thought that you had closed the blog for the weekend? -
Lee says:
Frolov-Tavares-Kovalchuk ::drools::
and with Kabanov and Petrov. Russian Invasion!
GO SNOW GO!
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Steve M says: I hate being a skeptic, but I am one with this sort of thing. Just teasing LA to wake them up and sign Kovi, but who knows, that would be absolutely amazing if we got him. Please Garth, Please.
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steve from CT says:
If I’m dreaming, please don’t wake me!!!!
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Jack says:
Pull your head out Wang and Snow, sign this guy before the Kings do, they have a better team so act fast you dundrheads
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KevFu says:
Probably a ploy by his agent to get some leverage on the Kings. But we can dream.
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IslesinOside says:
Ok Chris you caught my attention but Never gonna happen in any way shape or form!
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i’m still at work letting off a little steam and relaxing and now this….. GOOSEBUMPS.
if you are getting played for some reason CB, i’m sorry. you are so respected it seems everywhere else, from the organization who needs you the most…gosh..i just hope that’s not the case.
i can’t get my hopes up. i can’t get my hopes up. just watch the world cup tomorrow…focus there.
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joe says:
LETS DO THIS GARTH!!!
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Steve M says:
Though (if) we get him, tickets are probably going to be sold out for the first month.
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Dave says:
They better not give him a 10 year deal… They will destory their cap room when they have to sign our own guys down the line… I would love to get Kovy as much as the next guy, but this has Yashin written all over it… 100 Million! No Thanks… Anything over 5-6 years is just not worth it…
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Marc says:
He’s a great player, no doubt, but look what happened with the two 10+ year contracts Wang handed out. Both Yashin & DiPietro’s contract length was questioned by many when signed. Yashin’s acquisition helped put the team back on the map, but his performance was disappointing overall. DiPietro’s annual $4.5m salary would’ve been a steal had he been healthy but 15 yrs was nuts.
With that said, IF the Isles can lock up Kovalchuk for 10 yrs, $100m, it should do wonders for the franchise, hopefully help the team get a new arena and give them an offensive presence that they haven’t had in a while, and team him up with Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, and other up-and-coming players on the team.
Isn’t the max a player can earn = 20% of the cap max = approximately $12m? With a potential signing like this, will the Isles have cap problems once the young players are up for long-term deals? I suppose some teams are able to manage to have numerous superstars and win year-after-year.
Worth a shot to pursue.
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dmen77 says:
The word is the Flyers asked Gagne to waive his NTC and may be traded to the Kings?
Is that the Kings Plan B if they cannot sign Kovy, and maybe they are thinking it’s not going as well as planned?
If this is the case, Snow and Wang need to make an offer TONIGHT and get this guy signed before they are used as a ploy.
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Ari From Long Island says:
Kovy + Souray = ISLANDERS RULE!!!!!!
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Lance says:
Interesting, and it is not too much.
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Andrew says:
Short-term memory might be good for hockey players, but not for hockey GMs, (or hockey management teams, if you’re the Islanders). This is Alexei Yashin: Part 2. Which of our RFAs do we let go of because we have Kovalchuk taking up 10% of the cap. Not even Crosby, Malkin, or Ovechkin make $10M a year. Ugh. If they make the offer and he accepts, I can only hope it makes us better for the long-term. Just have a bad feeling about signing a one-dimensional player who is looking for nothing more than a big pay check and hasn’t helped any team he’s been part of win anything.
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isles93 says:
Chris, are you buying that Snow would confirm this?
He goes public with absolutly nothing. If this were real the first we would have heard was that he is signed.
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^ Sorry, closer to 20%!
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Joe says:
DOOOOO ITTTTTTTTT
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TimQ says:
Sounds like the deal they’re still paying Yashin
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There is no such thing as too much money when it comes to a player like Kovy, who instantly a) gives credibility to this team b) puts butts in the seats and c) in conjunction with a and b, means we’re closer to staying on Long Island.
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jon from nj says:
I’d pay him…just to get to the floor. But, I’ll be a naysayer and say it won’t happen.
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Stop comparing him to Yashin. Kovy NEVER held out and he is a far better goal scorer then Yashin ever was
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Mike says:
Dreger rumored a 10 year x $10M deal. I’d love to have him but nightmares of Yashin are racing through my head. The deal makes this team legitimate and gives the Islanders another bargaining chip in the push for a new arena but is it too much? Does the cost outweigh the reward?
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Chris ”The Live Blog King” Botta. This is awesome COME ON KOVI!
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Ted says:
I will believe it when I see it… I don’t want to be strapped to ANOTHER 10 year deal will he never learn?
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Sidd Finch says:
This is a perfect example of if the number is high enough, anybody will play anywhere. Hell, how many guys are willing to take the risk of playing in the KHL for big gucks despite the potential off ice dangers? This is also n extremely strong Russian community (good, bad and otherwise. Furthermore, there is a significantly less travel playing in the eastern conference. There are only 3 teams as close to LA as 12 eastern division teams to the Isles. In fact, almost half the western conf is closer to the Isles than to the Kings. Frankly, the Isles probably have alot more latitude than the Kings here too and he would be an incredible mentor for the young Russians.
Go gettim’ Snowie. This would absolutely blow away the Nassau Coliseum Fair Fireworks show.
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Lafars says:
At least no one is making jokes at our expense. Way to be relevant.
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As Islanders fans we can all say our GM and owner are trying. As fans, its all we can ask for.
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biggie says:
love this….he is not yashin or dp….this guy is a legit superstar who will sell tiks and take a TON of pressure off the kids
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19inarow says:
Who cares if its a 20 year deal, please don’t compare Yashin with Kovy. You guys talk like its your money. I bet you all will pony up for seats if they make this happen.
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MT says:
Agreed isles316. They have been trying, it’s up to the players to say yes or no.
As for Kovy…tough call. I don’t think the money part bothers me, the rumored amount of years do. I just don’t think he’d sign here.
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Isles Fan says:
This would be Ya$hin part II, with a buyout within 3 years.
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Jim M says:
Pretty fascinating news to say the least. 10mil at 10 years would be pretty absurd and unwise but, if this is what it takes for the isles to become a consistent playoff team and most of all get some sort of Lighthouse Project done then what the hell, I am all for it.
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If I recall he turned down $100M to stay in Atlanta. Leads me to think that he wants to play for a contender. Have we done enough to sell him on our commitment to a championship in the next few years?
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Yashin part II? Are you kidding? Kovalchuk is not your typical Russian, “let me give effort when I feel like it”. He gives 100 percent every game, loves hockey, and is an elite superstar. A consistent 40 goal scorer on a crappy team, just imagine what he could be on a young, revamped Isles squad. To compare him to Yashin is unfair.
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I don’t buy the Kings wanting to take Gagne from the Flyers if Kovy signs in Philly. Just don’t see the Kings being that noble. Maybe I’m just being short-sighted. But if we get Kovy, we could always send the Kings Trent Hunter or Frans Nielsen if it will make them feel better!!!
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Al S. says:
Over pay for him? Sure no problem thats the only way he comes here. Give him a 10 year deal? Ouch can’t do it, too many nightmares of Yashin (not comparing the players just saying what if it doesn’t work out and we’re stuck w/ another bad contract) I’d rather they pay him more per year (10+) for 5-7 years. This would certainly accelerate the development of the team and make them playoff contenders almost immediately. Can’t say I saw this one coming…hope it works out.
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biggest difference is kovy can actually skate while yashin was one of the slowest guys on the ice at all times..
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Last I checked, guys, Kovy didn’t just sit out a season due to a contract dispute. And I don’t think we’d be trading away Jason Spezza and Zdeno Chara to get him. And, you know, he’s coming off 6-straight 40-goal seasons, something Yashin did twice in his career. So…other than being hockey players from Russia? Not much in common.
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Uncle Deuce says:
STOP comparing Kovalchuk to Yashin. End it. It’s a stupid waste of time. THE ONLY thing they have in common is being Russian. I don’t know that Kovy sells tickets being that he toiled in Atlanta obscurity, but consistent 40-goal scorers — because that IS what he is — do not grow on trees. And he even had Heatley and Hossa at some points there and they still did not sell out. Here, attendance would improve and he’d give the franchise a shot in the arm. The money, I’d give him $8 mil per for 6-7 years max.
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This would be a worse deal then signing Yashin for 10 years. At least the Yashin deal was to make us a contender. We’re now signing players just because we think it might get the Lighthouse Project approved? That’s now how you build a team. Snow’s been slow and steady in his rebuild, no reason to stop it now.
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Ethan K says:
While 10 years, 100 million would be ridiculous, the Islanders NEED to sign a big name player like Kovalchuk for SO MANY reasons. Think of the year that he and John Tavares and Kyle Okposo can have on a line.
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gabe says:
pay him whatever he wants but not for 10 years. give him 12 million a year for 5 years. we don’t want a 35-36 year old kovalev killing our budget.
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Bri On LI says:
The chances are low, but boy wouldn’t that just take the cake. Can you overpay for Kovy? Even I don’t think he’ll tank like Cash-in. Great to see this kinda news this late. Like I said earlier, you deserve the gratitude of all of Islanders Country, Chris! Not just that you reported the news, but the connections you have make the news that much more credible. Now who can you speak to in order to get ‘er done?
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Michael Delman says:
This sounds grear, BUT I think it is a negotiating ploy to get more money out of the Kings. Of course, now I’ll be checking the web all night looking for signs otherwise.
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Mike from Philly says:
You know what, I would take Kovi in a heartbeat. He is 27 years old, 40+ goal scorer, and immediatly turns this team into a contender. If the Isles sign him this would be earth shattering.
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ACISLES says:
The Yashin comparisons are hilarious. Kovy is 10X the player Yashin was. I really don’t like the 10 mill for 10 years but if thats what it takes I would definitely not be crushed. Having a player like him on the team would really help JT and Okposo. This sounds bogus to me or maybe to good to be true but we’ll see it should unfold pretty quick.
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Barry Tucson says:
The Kiril, Kovy, Kiril line has a great ring to it for the next decade
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joe says:
believe me or not but a person in front office says its 100 done.
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Isles fan says:
FYI – Next year Witts $3 million goes away and Yashin’s buyout againist the cap goes from $4.7 million in 10-11 to $2.2 million in 11-12. So there is $5.5 million against the cap that we will be lower next year, with no change in the roster. (Also, if we get rid of Dp’s $4.5 million in the next year because he retires and or gets insurance buyout that’s $4.5 more $$$ to play with)
But, I’m just worried that we will have $$ problems signing the kids in a couple of years, if we give Kovy the $$$. The Isles are 0 for 2 in long contracts.
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I would have to assume it would be $10 Million for the first few years, then decreases towards the end of the deal.
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jaymz27 says:
I’ve been saying this all along. Makes all the sense in the world. Kovalchuk is 10 times the player Yashin ever was. Please Mr. Wang!!!!!!! Make us relevant again!!!!!
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Big Van Vader says:
(87) I hope u are telling the truth.
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I would rather see $12M for 5 years. At the very least, if we do offer $100M I hope we front load the deal so that it’s a reasonable trade once he starts to decline.
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you can’t sign kovy for 10 years 10 mill and expect to keep kyle & tavares around after 5 years. too much money for one man, no matter how many goals he scores. i’d rather sign 3 30+ goal scorers at 3 million a pop
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JT says:
This makes a lot of sense for this Isles. Plenty of cap room, young dynamic player, consistent scorer. Kovy, JT, KO Bailey, Nielsen, Streit, Comeau, Hillen. Nice core. Instant playoff team. Let’s go Garth.
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ny711ot says:
holy crap!!!!whatever it takes….forgegt about that rebuilding bs….money talks and kovy wants to be in the nhl….
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One more thing, and I apologize it someone else posted the same opinion….Kovalchuck spent so many years with Atlanta that I have to assume he is using us to get more money out of a team that can win now. He must be looking to get away from teams that are building for the future and onto a team that can contend this coming season. Right? Right??
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Not to get off track, but has anyone else heard that Frolov is on his way to check out Long Island?
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steven says:
we were supposed to be done for the nite an hour ago and we’re over 80 posts now. quite a fanbase.
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isle in NYC says:
It makes sense for the Isles but I think we are just being used as a pawn for them to get more money out of LA. This whole process its looked like LA and maybe LA tried to pull back some money knowing this and they are just trying to get the dollars up.
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ATRAIN says:
87/Joe……I hope you are right….but I have to say I sniff BS…why should we believe this
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I also don’t see how Kate Murry will give a hoot about the Isles signing Kovy.
Garth: Don’t do it for the wrong reasons.
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mht says:
10 years for Kovalchuk seems a bit excessive.5-6 years seems better a better fit just so that he stays motivated and hungry .With the large Russian population in Brooklyn and Forest Hills,Wang is on the money in lighting a firecracker under the butts of the complacent Nassau and TOH politicians.You know Mike Bloomberg would welcome the Islanders to a new state of the art arena in Flushing.Kovalchuk could be a great mentor to Petrov,Niederreiter and Kabanov.I am psyched.Kovy come to Islanders country.
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I hope this at least shows people Snow is not sleeping at the wheel. Over reaction, maybe…but there is a pulse.
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walter says:
Chris have you put the Coffee pot on?
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Are you sure, Joe 88?
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Any chance we sign Kovy…Trade Rolli back to the Oil for Souray and sign Nabakov to a 3 year 12 million dollar contract..
Then I think we can squeak into the eight spot! -
@#90….let me know when KO is even in the same league as Kovy. Who knows what will happening in 5 years, players get traded and injured. That is poor excuse not to sign Kovy.
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nassaubaby says:
im agreeing with 96, this rumor is suspect, so i cannot take it seriously, but some players going to be overpaid soon to reach the cap….
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i think we should still sign Sutton for 2 year at 2.5 mill
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Kovy would score 50 with Tavares’ passing skills.
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I can’t believe that any Islander fan would be against the Islanders adding a 27 year old superstar to this young core. What is wrong with you people?
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Jon in Chicago says:
This is only gonna hurt more when he signs somewhere else. Still, nice to see management going after elite-level players and not just depth guys.
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Glen S says:
It may be a ploy and it may not be, remember girl friend and child do live in NYC BKLYN I believe. So that could defiantly play into it. Whether it’s 10 years @10 mill or whatever get er done Garth this will be a huge step in this teams character and put them back on the NHL map once again.
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CB, can you confirm that this nonsense is official? Anything going?
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Danbury Islanders Fan says:
Kovalchuck-Tavares-Okposo for a first line! Please Garth make it happen
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Thanks 105. My sentiments exactly. Its amazing that all everyone does is whine about who we picked up today and we have the chance to win the big prize and 50% of the people still whine. Kovy or Asham? Its seems most people want Asham back.
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This is the best news since drafting Tavares. This deal should be completed by midnight! Sign him!!! This is a major rebuild step.
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rob76 says:
I have been saying we should make a big push for a long time. We can pay more than any other team. However if he does sign with Los Angeles it would hurt when him and Smyth team up for goals a lot more now if both of them end up shunning the Isles for less money.
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sure the offer is hefty, but I don’t think the Isles can overpay for talent like this: he won’t sign with us for the amt that would take other teams. our “premium” has always been more $$, more years. even for the money, even for the length, for us this is a no-brainer! even with our 3-5 legit high-end kids developing, we’re still a skill-poor squad that needs to score goals.
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I think at this point, seeing the number of FA’s that won’t come here, you have to do this.
Chicago overpaid for Cambell before the Hawks could put any seats in the place and he’s making over 7 million and averages 40 points a season…. -
dan clemens says:
@105, are you kidding? Ten years is too long for ANY player. Kovalchuk has not helped either team he’s been on. I don’t care if he’s only 27, 10 years on the same team at 10 mil could very well lead to complacency. 10 years is too long to gamble on one player. I’d much rather the isles throw bobby ryan an offer sheet than sign kovy for a full decade.
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Lebron Who? : )
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Steven says:
Do Not Sign Kovy! We can’t continue to change the face of this team every other year. remember this is Okposo and Tavares’ team. Kovy will acts as a huge distraction. this will truly hurt the development of some great homegrown talent
Take a look at Chicago. Let the kids take the next step in helping the franchise grow in the right direction.
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Blizzard says: …..this is just freaky. I have been eluding to the hope that some miracle would happen and we could add Kovy to JT’s left wing with eventually Nino. Ko Baily and Moulson for a second lind and damn we would be a certainly be a threat to make some noise in the east. Not to mention a perfect mentor to the Krills. As has been said this makes too much sense. Kovy would be a star in a huge market and with his age help this young talented core attain great things. If at all possible we must get this done. We have suffered long enough. I plead to Kovy, come to the Island you will love it. All players do.
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First off, if the Isles could make the same deal for Ovechkin would you do it? Ilya is the closest thing…Geez he had 40 plus for the devils for goodness sakes…in gordo’s system he will get 70…He turned down 110 mil over 10 years with Atlanta….My bet is that LA is not prepared o give him the same…The Isles are an instant contender with Ilya. we are so far below the cap that we will still have tons of cash to sign tavares, and okposo. If it can be done we can’t hesitate….For anyone that doubts this move…YOU ARE NUTS!!! make it so !
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Steve says:
Yashin. DiPietro. I HATE long contracts. They never work. Who here has ever been good at anything for ten consecutive years?
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Anthony says:
OMG… I’m almost touching myself LOL
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Kepa says:
This is alittle scary.
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Kovy will sign with the rangers and the league will put their ranger goggles on and overlook the glaring cap issues.
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Madchef says:
never say never if the offer is there and real why wouldnt he take it. 100 million dollars people, NBA players are running to the money. Its not like this team is not on the rise. It sure would move it along a bit. PLus a mentor to the Kirill’s. Listen we never sign these guys so I hesitate but if it could go donwn lets do it. We can sign everyone we need to the Baileys JT’s and KO. We are barely at the floor.Go get him Garth, it will make my 4 14hours days in the kitchen this July 4th a lil better
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Optimo says:
If it’s for the reported 10mil/10 years, this will be horrible. Haven’t they learned anything from the past? This has a very good chance of wrecking everything that Garth has done the past 3 years. Thankfully, I don’t see him signing with a non contender.
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beatlebailey says:
would love for it to be true but how can anyone not believe we are being used here?..kovy turns down 9 figure$$ from atlanta to play for the rebuilding isles?..i call Bull$&!+..dont get your hopes up…
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purify says:
f kovi get 10 mill a year and jt breaks out how much would he want to stay in two years. then add the rest of the young kids who will look to get hefty raises. A ten year deal will cripple us. We need to have balance, as much as i want an impact player and a superstar i just fear when oour kids grow kovi could cost us similar to the chicago cap situation.
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CSKA says:
Wang gets Kovalchuk and sells to Prohorov who moves the team to Brooklyn with the Nets. Kovalchuk is Russia’s Lebron.
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Les Beaver says:
Wait, isn’t April Fools Day in April? I’m so confused…..
I gotta admit, I really didn’t have much interest in Kovy, probably cause it’s a pipe dream, but now…
Please?
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Eric says:
Isles99…Why would we trade Rollie for Souray when Souray has been waived? Makes no sense. We could potentially get him for nothing and at half his current salary on re-entry waivers. Anyone saying we should offer Kovy 5-6 years hasn’t paid attention. He’s looking for ten years, maybe we can get him for eight years but it will likely be ten. As for his deal pushing out KO or Tavares when their entry level deals expire? You should brush up on your NHL FA rules…As of 2008, any player who is at least 27 years old or has at least seven years of service as an NHL player, and whose contract has expired, can declare himself an unrestricted free agent. In short, they ain’t going anywhere. Besides, Kovy’s deal would only bring us to the cap floor.
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Hernandez says:
Another Russian for 10 year contract? I’m just saying….is this the best possible fit? Not saying they are the same…just sayin’. Maybe we wait one more year? It would take pressure off “russ-ian” prospects…get it?
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137. Lets become acontender and win a cup like Chicago just did and then worry about the financial ramifications later. If the cap rises 5 million in the next 3-4 years we dont have a problem
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VasGet says:
Snow made the splash! Whether he gets Kovy or not that is good enough for me! I am at piece! If we do sign him, I think I will s@#t myself!
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Some of you guys are unbelievable. You act like all of our young guys are without question going to be stars. You guys are running on feelings, and not facts. Fact is that Koby is already a star.
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Conspiracy Theory. What if the TOH has leaked their revised plan to Wang and it is acceptable. Wouldn’t it make sense that Wang goes after a big name player to sell tickets for the new building?
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KevinH says:
I think we are in for a big let down!
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Casey31 says:
This is an interesting turn of events. Now I can’t go to bed thinking about IK on the Islanders. I guess Kabanov will have to take number #71 because Kovalchuk will be taking #17.
I am excited about the possible deal, but curious if this is a good fit with this young group, but the reality is he might be just using the Isles as leverage with the Kings. I also don’t think I want another long term deal like 10 yrs. I don’t want 1 player to cripple the good things that a happening with this team and the rebuild. This team is going to be really good in 2 years without IK.
If they do sign him I will be very excited about it, but will also be worried about how this will effect the team long term.
I am going to stay up and wait for your story on Fan House CB. Thanks for keeping me up late tonight.
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Aaron says:
CT – lighthouse and kovy? i dare not dream of such a night.
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Doug says:
I am on the fence regarding Kovy. Sure, I would welcome his skill set to the Isles, but I am concerned that if the Isles do give him a long term contract, how will that affect signing other players down the road? I just hope whatever happens, that Garth makes the right move in the end (which is true for any decision he makes regarding the team).
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mikeda1940 says:
I’ll repost what I posted this morning:
I want the kind of player that, to some degree, doesn’t care about how good the team around him is, because HIS being on the team is what makes the team good (kind of like what Nino did this year!) As such, I guess that player didn’t exist in Day 1.
BUT WHAT ABOUT DAY 2/3????
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Snow’s quotes from Katie Strang’s article doesn’t give me much hope that Kovy is coming here. The tone of the quotes make it sound like he called to simply to inquire. It just doesn’t give indication that we are serious about contending for his services. PS – That call should have been made two days ago.
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To answer your question C.B., if it doesn’t get a deal done in Uniondale it sure as hell will get one done in Queens.
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Alex Kinkead says:
Positive thoughts everyone. Imagine Kovalchuk putting on an Islanders jersey.
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DRIVE45 says:
Let’s wait and see. Not crazy about 10 years but if that’s what it takes, you have to do it.
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Islanders1932 says:
I am on the fence with this one, I can’t make up my mind about it. One side, it makes us instantly a better team who has a ton of cap space, but on the other hand, I wonder how it will affect the rebuild. Slow and steady wins the race, I feel like we just may be speeding it up too fast. It’s a risky play, can’t say I will be disappointed either way though whether he does sign here or not.
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duff says:
he won’t sign with the islanders, but he’ll get that money somewhere else. it’s both a media ploy by the islanders and kovy’s using the isles for leverage imho.
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Folks, lets remember that we are somewhere around $28 Million under the NHL cap. This gives us alot of wiggle room when it comes to giving our own guys contracts whether we sign Kovi or not.
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Bob from NJ says:
I know coming from a devils fan your just going to shrug this off but listen to what I’am about to tell you. There is 0% chance the NY Islanders sign Ilya Kovalchuck, and i’ll tell you why it’s very simple. The man has stated about 50 times in his stay with the devils he wants to win and he wants to win NOW…..not 6 or 7 years down the road. And Im being completely honest here I dont think he will Re-sign in NJ, we just dont have the cap room for him. He’ll go sign in LA were they have a far better team.
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10 years at 10 million he will never be able to be traded. if it has to be ten years please be an upfornt inflated contract decreasing every year.
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We are 28 million under the cap, 42 million under after this year….we sure have plenty of room.
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10 million a year wouldnt he be the highest played player in the nhl??
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Well said Lance #143.
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guys we signed DP for 15 years and look at what happened. he gets injured in the All-Star game… this is an omen. do we really want to risk a long term contract again!!!
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Andre says:
Folks, Kovi is NOT Yashin. He has electrifying speed, shot and skill. He works his tail off too. Yashin had a great shot but could not skate worth a damn. He was too slow and the new NHL caught up with him. If you get Kovi, this franchise will have taken a huge leap forward towards contending. Please make it happen! It is SO obvious Garth Snow and Charles Wang are trying their hardest to put a top tier product on the ice. I admit I was one of those frustrated and angry fans who was venting once those top defenseman were lost to other teams. But signing Kovi would be awesome and more than offset losing out on other top free agents.
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If they do sign him it will feel like when the Mets traded for Piazza. Feels like Kovy is a Marlin for a couple of days but no he’s coming home! Wow am I setting myself up for dissapointment or what?!
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jon #158 you are right. playing it safe always works out in the end
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(Sim)ple says:
What are we going to do to sign our kids down the line? Seriously???? How about we worry about that when the time comes? I HOPE we are one day good enough to have to worry about stuff instead of reaching the cap floor and where in the lottery we will be.
By the way, within 3 years we lose contracts of Witt, roloson, hunter, martinek and Yashin buyout is 2.2 mill.
Most Isles fans on this board crack me up. Sounds to me like fans will never be happy.
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The salary cap increases over the next 5 years alone will be enough to cover the raises for Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, etc. Oh and also, that extra 13 million dollars under the cap that we would STILL have even after a deal with Kovalchuk. I really hope this happens!
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If they sign him which I still put at a 5% chance, ladies and gentleman this is our Sidney Crosby! It doesn’t matter about buildings and all of that stuff! Players will want to come here! But I still think it is a ploy on Kovy’s part!
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Craiggers says:
10 years/100 Mil…..even Kovy can’t pass that up…especially if it guarantees the Lighthouse…….where is my jersey????
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islestyle says:
I don’t think it will be as crippling as people think it will be. Like what the Hawks are dealing with. Okposo, Tavares, and Bailey aren’t Kane and Toews. So they won’t cost the moon. Plus the cap will rise. Plus, the hawks have a ton of HUGE contracts, huet, campbell, kane, toews, keith, seabrook, and hossa. we’d have to deal with kovy and then a few big raises for okposo, JT, bailey, and the young guys. it actually, kind of, can work out nicely.
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For those of you who are aprehensive about a 10 year deal here, MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT… this guy is a LEGIT, 27 year old SUPERSTAR. Lots of superstars are now signed to 7+ years/10 mill a year deals…
This guy makes us “matter” again. There’s a good chance that NONE of our young studs are ever as good as Kovi… He’s one of the rare guys that will take the pressure off everyone and make them all better. Look what Stamkos did playing with St. Louis and LeCavieler… Tavares is parying to God right now for Kovi on his wing…
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Can not believe that there are people here that do not want him. He is 27! He is a piece of the rebuild! Who cares about the money – we have the lowest pay roll in the league.
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Brad says:
To be honest…my concerns also were with cap space and future contracts for guys like JT and Okposo. But think about it…we’ll eventually be done paying for Yashin, Witt’s $3M will be off the books…and it’s a real possibility that Rick may not be able to continue his career, wiping out his $4.5M. That right there almost covers Kovalchuk’s contract and with the Isles so far under the cap now, it may not be a big problem. The REAL problem is overpaying Kovalchuk…I’m not so sure I can stomach that. But he certainly makes us that much better.
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This is not Derek Boogaard. With a cap on what player can be paid, even a max contract for Kovy would not be obscene, nothing like the ARod contract with Tex which was basically 1 + 24. This guy is legit and Yashin comparison’s are a hoot. The best possible thing to come of this would be a Star Wars like banner of Wang, Snow and Kovy (maybe Return of the Isles, but any other suggestions would be awesome on this insomnia inducing night) hanging next to the Prokhorov/Jay-Z outside the Garden. What’s Jim Dolan going to do now, call Gary Bettman or Mike Bloomberg? (As an aside, who really would be more powerful, Wang or the Dolan’s?)
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Dan says:
I really don’t understand why these big boy players are refusing to sign here because of the colesium. You have to be kidding me. Be a big boy and help turn this franchise around. Maybe hockey players aren’t so tough if they think the colesium is that bad and are afraid of playing there… Me personally I can’t get enough of that place!
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Ilya Kovalchuck does NOT want to be a part of a rebuilding team why do you think he turned down $10 Million from the Thrasers? The Islanders are in the same situation as the Thrasers……No chance he puts himself back in the same situation he begged out of not 4 months ago.
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#175, no one is signed at 10 mill per year, not even for 1 year let alone 10 years
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If you look around the league, players like Kovo dont become UFA’s often. Sid, Geno, Ovi, Semin, Backstom, Sedins, Kane, Toews, Nash, Getz, Hossa……so many young stars have long term deals. I was on the fence but the more I think about it the more I feel the Isles should do it!
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We should get a KOVO RALLY at the Coliseum going tomorrow!!!!
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Purify: You can only pay a guy up to 20% of the cap and regardless of the structure, its value is spread evenly across the cap.
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Just could let me go to sleep huh CB?
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Chris, I want to know more of your opinion on the situation- for or against? If they sign him to $10 million for 10 years, does that still leave room in the future for the core? I would say that Okposo and Tavares they would DEFINITELY keep room for, and De Haan and Hamonic as well. I feel like this would eventually lead to saying goodbye to Bailey, Moulson, Nielsen, Martin, or whoever else fills the 2nd and 3rd lines in the future, much like the Blackhawks’ situation now.
SO the real question is: Does signing Ilya Kovalchuk stick to the plan of building a CONSISTENT contender?
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Norm from Brooklyn says:
cb will there be news tonight
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5000 new fannies a nite at 50 bucks a pop for 41 games is ten million bucks.
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Jon #170. No, we don’t want to do this. We want to be a last place team year in and year out. WAKE UP DUDE!!!!!! Bring Kovalchuk to LI!!!!!!
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CB when would the earliest time kovy can be signed by anyone can we go to sleep lol
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I hope this isn’t a jinx but:
Nederitter Tavares Kovalchuck
Okposo Bailey Moulson
Zenon Neilson Schremp
…or somethin’ like that! jeez. It can’t happen, it WON’t happen. will it, or won’t it. I’m going to bed before I go crazy. -
John from Merrick says:
I am afraid to go to bed. Will there be more news tonight. Any shot Frolov and Kovy would come together. What did Hossa sign for last yr with blackhawks?
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kurvers28 says:
LA Times says Isles close to deal with Ilya
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Any chance the news breaks tonight or is it same to go to bed? I’m not going to be able to sleep if I know Garth Snow is in the office.
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184 — The Isles are NOT in the same situation as the Thrashers despite many similarities. Say what you will, but Wang is a committed owner. The Atlanta ownership situation is a nightmare with four guys fighting over who has how much control over the Thrash and Hawks. Atlanta has no tradition, had shoddy management that festered for years in Don Waddell (Coburn for Zhitnik?), is not a hockey market, and even had other stars like Hossa and Heatley play with Kovy, but still never went anywhere. They finally said goodbye to oft-inured goalie Kari Lehtonen this year, and I hope the Isles do the same with DiP.U.tro. The Isles have loyal fans that will come back when the team finally starts winning and has a new arena — which is going to happen in some form soon. And it’s not about fair-weather fans — it’s about fed-up fans who have had no stars on this team since Palffy (or even more so LaFontaine) and more ownership and p.r. snafus since the year of the Fisherman than most teams experience. Yet they endure and sometimes make the playoffs. Atlanta has made the playoffs ONCE. Isles are going with youth for past three seasons, the right way to go. No one knows which way Atlanta goes. You cannot say the Isles are worse off.
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Ethan K…Even if DeHaan and Hamonic started their NHL careers this year they wouldn’t hit UFA status until they reach 27 yrs old or 7 years of NHL service. Kovy’s deal would be nearly completed by then and I think we can say that the cap will have risen as well. For that matter Kovy would be half way through his deal by the time guys like Okposo, Tavares and Bailey hit UFA and as much as I love those guys, probably only Tavares would command a top dollar deal out of that group.
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Steve M says:
LA times says that “LA Kings supposedly in pursuit of Simon Gange” … This could mean Kovi for us!
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nyi fan says:
Get it done! Go Garth.
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Steve M says:
*** Reportedly, I mixed that with “Supposedly”
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Yippy Yappy Uwe says:
While it would be great to sign Kovalchuk, not a fan of signing him for 10 years, and definitely not at $10M per year. If we have all these good young players coming up, how are we going to retain them with 20% of our payroll devoted to one player. Plus, Kovalchuk is a one dimensional player…albeit an amazing scorer. If we do 5-6 years for no more than $8M it would be worth it though.
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I have to go to sleep CB…..you guys are killing me tonight…..we’ll see what happens in the a.m.
cell phone is by the bed.
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Whoa, TSN has a similar story about Philly. Gagne waived no trade claus.
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Old story sorry sorry.
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BillyBC says:
Not sure about this one, but me thinks this would be amazing and give life to our team again.
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local25rooster says:
I would be excited too, but remember this guy plays little to no defense. Everyone is getting excited for the isles to make a move, but this might be a bad one for us without a shutdown d-man on his side behind him
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CB, “nutso” is the word for most anything connected with the Isles, ha!
as for $10 mill per players, some have already been paid that in years past (Heatley, Gomez, Vanek, Briere, Lecavalier) and some will be in the future. Ovechkin’s contract extension, e.g., is for 13 yrs/$124 mill, with $9 mill per for 6 years and $10 mill per for the last 7. and Crosby’s extension was for just under $9 mill per, but that was negotiated low so the Pens could sign other players. both those deals were signed 2 and 3 years ago, so both (and other top players) would command $10 per on the open FA market now. our alleged offer of $10/10/$100 pushes the envelope in stride with the market.
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starting to make sense. atlantwasnt atractive to kovi. remember last year when he was traded to the devils. he loved the fact that he was closer to his girlfriend who is russian and lives on the east coast and was thrilled to be near strong russian neighborhoods in new york and northern jersy. get it done and have a parade in breighton beach.
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#208 How about this scenario. We get Kovalchuk and we solidify our D through a trade or free agency. If he puts the puck in the net 45 to 50 times I will take some lax D. That’s Gordons job!
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Kovy on the team would be good for development of Kabanov and Petrov I would imagine, not the mention it would push Tavares to keep pace.
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Puckhead says:
I hate to break it to Islander fans but I just don’t see why Kovalchuk would sign with the Islanders. Didn’t he say he wanted to win?
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rb says:
Who cares even if the Isles are “being played”? If it drives up the cost to the Devils or helps send him to LA – and AWAY from the Devils – VERY GOOD!
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vukotaismyhero12 says:
I am all for this….even if they give him 10 years and maybe an out clause after 4 or 5 years if he wants to go back to Russia I am all for it.
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29,38,41,52,42,52,43,41 – KOVY
32,27,25,35,40,23,18,30 – ISLES TOP SCORERthats 98 more goals for kovalchuk than the isles top scorers combined since he came to the NHL. thats worth 10 mil to me.
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nyi22 says:
OK a few points i feel the need to make here and I rarely ever post (anywhere):
1) As to all the “mess up the rebuild” fans – i’m sorry but I don’t see your point at all. Let’s use the absurd number (10mm/year). As of today (off the top of my drunk head) we are still approx 8mm below the FLOOR. We still have as of now 28mm in cap space. Okposo/Tavares/Bailey are not projecting to be paid like Kane/Toews/Keith (YET). Maybe one of them will but no way can you compare the blackhawks paying them to the isles paying these 3. Nino? De Haan? Hamonic? Possibly a pay day down the road but WAY down the road. Otherwise there is nobody who projects to any kind of large pay on the isles as of now. Moulson? 30 goal scorer but won’y be causing cap issues any time soon. Schremp? Still TONS to prove. Signing Kovy will in NO WAY effect salaries down the line.
BIG ASSUMPTION FOR ABOVE – I believe if, somehow, this actually happens Wang paying Kovy means the days of the cap floor being our ceiling are over. Even if its a ploy to get the lighthouse off the ground, even Wang can’t be so shortsighted to see that you can’t just make such a move and not follow up. IF we pay Kovy we will pay the rest of the core or else it’s just a 100mm gamble (again assuming absurd salary). He might as well feel the thrill of being the owner of a competitive team for that kind of money, in my opinion.
2) As to the “we did this and it didn’t work fans”……….
Wake up. The team 10 years ago was a team with no future because MM had traded it all. Now? We at least have something in place. YES it is a gamble. YES it may be premature. But damn it I’m sick of worrying about this team and god forbid they do leave I’d rather see them go out in a flame of signing Kovy and hoping this young core works out in the next 3-4 years and watch them win a cup their last game in uniondale than continuing a slow rebuild and seeing them leave a piece short of a championship.
I need something from this team. I need to be able to feel excitement again beyond the slow burn of a rebuild. We are all scared and yet spend so much time ignoring it. We deserve this signing. Screw it we’ve made enough bad mistakes that one more huge contract blowing up in our face can’t hurt us again. I’m rooting for this gamble. It might not work, but it might. And I’m ready to hope again (and not have that hope be for 5 years down the line).
2 years ago the Hawks weren’t ready to abandon their rebuild. 2 years from now Kovy (if signed) will be here. Will we be angry we jumped the gun then?
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KOVY-TAVARES-OKPOSO nuff said. TKO Line baby!!
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IslesNation says:
AMEN 77, all star that gives this organization credibility and takes pressure off the young core. Make this happen in the next few days and let the buzz start!
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I think Kovy is married with 3 kids.
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dalybone says:
Please get this done. I hope they are not just teasing us with this.
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IslesFan22 says:
This sounds good, but doesn’t anyone else think that this is odd too? How often does Snow do this PR thing? Think about it. If he loses Kovy, he looks good for trying and if he wins, he gets the fans as well. Snow is always quiet on these things. Something is not adding up at all.
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Why can’t we give him 13 mil for 3 years, this way, he will be close to his girlfriend and if it does not work out, we can part ways–but if it does—WOW!!–2 Kiril’s and a kovalchuk to menter them. Tavares and Kovalchuck are both 50 goal scorer’s if they are playing together. Instant sellouts for home games. The league would definitely take notice. Alas, I do think we are being played, but you know what? All we can ask of Garth and Wang is that they try their best to get some talent here, and so far they are. Thanks guys, from someone who has been on this blog for 2 straight days. I think my family may have disowned me! Kovie gets us in the playoffs–easy, but if that does not work I would take Gagne, not a bad consolation at all!
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Dinerboss says:
This is a no brainer,why not it would make us relevant again,and a playoff team.
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Steven says:
I’m trying not to get to excited. This would be huge. I do not see a downside in this at all. I give Charles and Garth credit for trying to make this happen. This would make the Isles matter again and be a huge boost to get the LH wrapped up.
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bleedingblueandorange says:
Snow took a chance (Ryan Smyth) and it got us in the playoffs. He’s taking another chance with Kovy in the hopes that a sold out “old barn” will put the full court press on kate murray & the town of hempstead. The more people that fall in love with the islanders can only help the lighthouse project….This is a genius business move by Wang & Snow…GET IT DONE!!!!!!!!!!!
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I think this one is real guys. If so I will apologize here to Wang and Snow, for all the bashing that I have been doing over the last 24 hrs.
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John 89 says:
I don’t know, I just feel like these rumors are coming out in such a strange way that the Isles have to be up to something. Whether its signing Kovy or being involved in some kind of trade, I feel like the Islanders have to have something huge in the works…I hope so anyway. Us Isles fans could use and deserve some big news.
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I agree 228. This make sense on many levels. The great thing would be not having to trade any talent for Kovi. 10 years is a lot but I would not let it stop me.
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isn’t it nice that we’re the center of attention right now and nobody is laughing at us? lets be thankful for that tonight, and go for KOVY tomorrow.
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Spittin'chicklets says:
Lord knows we could use him in our line up..Would be a huge boost helping to jump start a Lighthouse project of some sort as well. Lets see, he’s a 100 point guy for the sake of argument.
10 years @ approx 10 mill per
That = $100,000 A POINT !!
Just like after grandmas meatballs that gives me ajj’ada. I just don’t know. I think I’m completely freakin’ gun shy now after Yashin and The Rick.
GO ISLES !! -
Get er done Garth, the isles haven’t had a day(I hope) if they sign him since the peca/yashin days and the smyth trade. its a long time coming. If it helps the LHP fine but the bottom line good product on the ice put butt’s in the seats end of story.
LETS GO ISLANDERS….. -
Strummer's Army says:
So I was heading to bed and came into the office to shut down the computer and decided to check PB one last time, expecting nada and………..
OK Kovi doesn’t want to play in a system=negative
I don’t like the contract. Giving that much money for that many years to a Russian especially=negative
Kovi not much for playing EL Defense=negative
All those goals=positive
Former teammate Holik says he shouldn’t be the number one guy he should be 2 or 3 and he’d be happiest and at his best, with Tavares that would be the case.=positive
Isles signing the #1 FA to hit the market in years=HUGE POSITIVE
What a message that would send all the FA’s that turned the Isles down.
All those goal=positive
If it gets the LI approved=DO IT!
Not sure that is true but…..
If it is simply a matter of money those teams cannot compete with the Isles.I would prefer to make it shorter term. Say 3-5 years. I am so happy with the Isles group of forward prospects I don’t want their development delayed or slowed. Most importantly I do not want that huge contract to be the reason they would lose a JT, Okposo, Hamonic, De Haan, or Niederetter but with the Isles being so far under the cap they have to spend another 9 million just to get to the league minimum I guess it isn’t an issue right now?
I guess Strummer is on board with this but really I want shorter term and the Lighthouse and I am mostly on board to give the middle finger and a LI Car horn to the rest of the NHL.
I also wanted to point out this concept of guys not wanting to come here for various reasons. Gordon has gotten a ton of accolades for how the team competes, plays the system, his international experience etc. We have that over NJ and their rookie head coach, also LI isn’t Newark, NJ, so ya they have an aging Broduer, Lou and a new building but Tavares cancels out Paraise and after that they don’t have anything that competes with our prospects.
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upstatebackstop87 says:
damn! no way im sleepn tonight. Just read a story on what if tavares and kovi were linemates…says theyd each be hitting a 100 pts year after year. add okposo, moulson, neiderreiter and the kirills’ and youve got a potential juggernaut..just need a good goalie and we’d be contenders again
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Islesfan In Vancouver says:
yashin’s contract will be off the books soon, rick may end up retiring if he can’t play but is still only a 4.5mil cap hit while he rehabs. I’ve been thinking of how much I’d love kovy on the isles since he was traded to new jersey but didn’t hope at all that the isles were after him.
this is huge news and if snow pulls it off…well, we’d be instantly better and a credible playoff contender. I don’t think we’re deep enough to challenge for the cup for another year or two, but this would accelerate the rebuild in a giant way.
Do I dare to dream we pull this off?
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Dan says:
I will never doubt Wang and Co. again if this goes down. Who’da thunk it?
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2Bit says:
If this deal can & does get done for 100 mil over 10 years, us fans can not worry that this will become another Yashin or DP scenario. You have to take the risk. Believe & hope that the 3rd time is a charm
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RHL Vin says:
I have said it the last 2 days…..get involved for Kovy. Makes sense on so many levels. If you are gonna overpay for someone, overpay for him. Bravo to Snow and Wang for gettin involved. Please do your best to sign him. Put the Islanders back on the map and give us fans the thrill we have been waiting for for so very long.
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And that’s coming from someone who said just the other day that I didn’t want another Yashin. Well, I had a change of heart.
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I thought about the Kovy possibilities some more. It will not hurt to try to get Kovalchuk into an Islanders uniform. The Isles can try to make a run, and if we get him signed, that is great. If he goes to L.A., the Isles will not have to deal with playing against Kovy much at all, and then the Isles can make waves for other players.
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LongIlslandHockey says:
There is something about Russian players that scare me. They just don’t bring it when it counts. Ovechkin has not been past the Conference Finals, and Kovalchuk has only made the playoffs twice in his career with his team winning 1 game. Yashin was always great in the regular season, but Game 7 against Toronto he never had it, or anytime we faced elimination in the early 2000s. We have to spend about 8 million just to be at the floor, and this is the final push to bring the Lighthouse Project. If Kovalchuk doesn’t sign, 1) He is nuts to turn down 2 lucrative $100 million contracts with on the rise teams and 2) We are no longer playing hockey on Long Island, as simple as that. This offer makes sense but not to a Russian player that may not have the heart as an American or Canadian.
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CB, its almost 2am and you haven’t written anything new about Kovalchuk… I hope your not sleeping or anything… I’m not sleeping, who’s going to keep me informed!?!?!?
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Why can’t this stuff happen earlier in the day and not have Botta messing up all over our sleep? I just checked his fight card beat Avery, beat McCabe, I’d say he wins most of his fights or at least doesn’t embarrass himself in the others.
Even if this happens I still want the defense improved and I’d still like that big center for the 3rd line. Guess tomorrow gets interesting.
Somewhere Martin and Volchenkov are kicking themselves.
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Steve M says:
I’m hunkering down for tonight. If anything happened, it will probably be announced later today.
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Alright…I tried to close my eyes and go to sleep. But my mind is racing thinking of line combos and what JT thinks about this and how many goals we could see, etc…ARGH! I need to sleep!
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MJS says:
Maybe Snow got tired of hearing about how he wasn’t trying to sign free agents… I absolutely believe that the Isles made some kind of offer, but I’m not so sure how serious it is and I don’t have high hopes for this. Oh the other hand, if Kovy signs with, say, L.A., it would be a great sign to other free agents that they can get some good money on the Island… I anticipate seeing a Frolov in an Islanders jersey after this apparent offer going public, though, Kovy would be a nice pick up.
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Good luck tomorrow CB…moving is never fun. Being on the West Coast, I’m not ready to stop hitting refresh for at least another 3 hours….just in case.
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Al L says:
Former NYC Hockey beat writer and most creditable,LA Times, Helene Elliot,has reported a source close to the situation that could not go into much detail claims a deal between Ilya Kovalchuk and the NY Islanders is in the process of being finalized!!! Don’t shoot me if it doesn’t happen,but this sounds awfully good,fans!!!!!!
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Refillmore says:
This guy turned down a max contract from Atlanta for a reason. He doesn’t run with losers. Give him credit he ain’t about the $$$. Plus he can make equal or better $$$ in Russia. No way in a hundred years he signs with isles. He may not even sign w any NHL team.
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I had the same thoughts 245. If this happens it would be interesting to hear the thought on the players who turned the Isles down.
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sean b says:
I am a huge kovie supporter and i dont mind giving kovie 10 mil a year because we obviously have too for him to come here but the length gets me nervous.
that sets us up like another chicago…all our prospects will develop and we will have no money to sign them…
i would love to see him here cause he is my fav player but it makes me really nervous 4-5 years down the line.
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Best of luck in your new home CB. Maybe you can hang up a signed royal blue Kovy #17 in the den or office real soon?
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Al L #250….I just read the same thing….according to Helene Elliott…”the Islanders are in the process of finalizing a 10 year $10 million/ year deal for Kovalchuk”.
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C’mon Sean, if I told you the Isles will win the Cup in 2012-13 but then Bailey had to be traded for picks, you would say no to that? The Blackhawks have a Cup and they still have an amazing core of players, the Isles could do the same thing…we all hope.
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Geli says:
@ 251 – I know the Isles have been…well, the Isles for a long time now. But you cannot compare Atlanta to New York. If Im pitching Kovy, I let him know that not only will he get the money he wants, he’ll be in the NYC area, with all the endorsements that’s comes with it. He’ll have the chance to bring a once glorious franchise back, a franchise with a tradition. He’ll be getting in right as we get a new stadium deal done (who knows?). He can be the face for a new winning era. Not to mention there’s a lot of Russians in NY…
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yaknow88 says:
Kings fan here. All along I thought the Kings were going to get Kovalchuck, but if the offer he wants is $10M for 10 years than I say no thanks. We have to worry about signing Doughty, Johnson, and Simmonds down the road. As for the Isles, I can see why they may want to take a gamble. Might be a better move for you guys.
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yaknow 88…what are you hearing in LA?
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i can’t sleep….i can actually see myself in the jersey. and i never was ever opposed to this player. i remember before the devils snagged him and it seemed we were in play for a day, i got my hopes so high and was let down. i guess i can handle this one more time.
actually no i can’t. this has to happen – and i’ll worry about how we sign our kids in a few years later on.
CB congrats on the move – hope we’ll still be neighbors though, you should take the boys to 5 Pennies Creamery by the way. I go every other day. I’ll be going every day if we don’t sign IK, because it cheers me up.
Let’s see if I can actually not be back here until the morning now.
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Dylan says:
@253. The Hawks just experienced the most euphoric thing in pro sports. If the Islanders can do that, and then suffer cap problems, where do I sign?
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RobCush says:
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I hear some good news tomorrow morning. This would be a monumental signing for the organization, and a guy like Kovalchuk can single handidly carry a team.
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Honnold says:
Kovy & Tavares. The Assassin & The Sniper.
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Shawn says:
Still waiting…could put the Isles on the map
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Well if this is gonna happen, it will probably materialize in the next 24 hours i presume. Exciting!!
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Can’t sleep!!!! To EXCITED!! Alot of people are saying it’s a bad move,but it’s a move the isles have to make,kinda like a few years ago when the mets gave Pedro Martinez all those years and all that money.
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Hoppy from Atlanta says:
Kovi would look great in a Blue & Orange sweater…
…not to mention the fact that his presence would have a profound effect on the Kirill’s development… Then factor in all the revenue he would geneate for our starving franchise and it makes sense on so many levels…. Ten years makes me cringe a bit, but hey… Get Kovi to the Island and I wont be picky about the terms of the contract! -
me either he really needs to sign him 79 points without kovy and some other additions he’ll make……….id say we would be a playoff team next year for sure
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JJ says:
Ahh man. I’d LOVE to have Kovy on the team, but I’m with our history, I’m hesitant to sign anyone to a ten year contract.
The difference b/w Crosby & Ovechkin’s deal, and a potential Kovy/Isles deal, is that Crosby and Ovechkin are established stars with their respective teams.
Kovy is a star, but who knows how he’ll work out? I’d much prefer to see $10 million of six seasons that ten.
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Onesinceforty says:
This would erase alot of bad Karma hanging over our beloved Team. Purge the ghosts of disappointments past! However I would really like to avoid the emotional blue balls that would come if he does sign in LA.
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Onesinceforty… there’s no such thing as karma or ghosts… it’s just some bad luck and the typical life of a sports franchise… we isles fans all think it’s just us… woe is us… it’s just not the case. all fans feels burned and jinxed for a long stretch at some point. it’s just the way it goes.
so i’ll be praying to my god… which is the flying spaghetti monster that we get him
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booten326 says:
this sounds too good to be true. If this gets done, like CB said, and I’m summarizing here, it all comes back to the Big Wang.
Kovalchuk in that new road sweater would be awesome.
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If this happens….PLEASE let us have one long term deal that DOES work out….PLEASE!!!! Think Shaquille O’Neill, Tim Duncan, Derek Jeter, and Magic…..I know for every one of them there are 2 players who were busts, but we already had our two.
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miket239 says:
I will isht my pants and wear them on my head if this happens. Not sure I like the 10 year length, but to be perfectly honest its not my money. Lets go Ilyanders!!!
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Jim Clark says: I’ll believe Illya Kuryakin in an Islanders jersey when I see it but I can dream.
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CB, thanks for all the work. Good luck and congrats. I just moved into my new home the last few days.
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isles08025 says:
Wow, good morning.
We’ll see. -
JD says:
I just woke up speechless. Get it done Garth.
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Sounds like a done deal.
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Boycer says:
Insane…I could not be anymore pumped right now…also, was Souray claimed by anyone yesterday? If Garth can get Kovy and snag Souray off Re-Entries…holy smokes would that be a turn around.
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vfred says:
this would give us instant credibility, we are really one or two players away from being a serious contender. Especially when you mix in the young talent coming up the ranks. The Ilses are going to look like the Russioan national team soon! (:
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Bob Bassen says:
*Getting it done…* just means out-spending everyone else. Actually pretty simple.
You NEVER would have seen Yashin drop ‘em and start throwing fist at Avery which is passion that even money can’t *buy*.
Only trepidation is that long-term, big money contracts never seem to quite *work-out*.
Go Isles! -
Brendan says:
If the Isles do this, it will 100% crash the interwebs.
Get it done, Garth!
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Rick says:
Way too early to get excited about this, but I will admit I am pleasantly surprised that the Isles are actually thinking of going down this road.
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Mikey Islanders says:
This is the type of saga that can go on for weeks and, in the end, we get burnt. Keep your heads up guys.
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Czerkawski says:
Wow thanks alot Garth, now I have to spend my entire Saturday by the computer. But seriously, this could be huge.
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gary says:
not going to happen–Plus with our past history of contracts such as yashin and Ricky, we shouldnt consider anymore then a 6 year contract—With that being said, this is just bs–Hes going to LA or staying with Devils
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Mark in Ottawa says:
On a personal note, my family finally moves into a new home on Saturday.
Congrats and Good luk in your new home Chris and thanks for keeping all of us updated on our favorite hockey team.
You’re the best.
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JETS/METS/ISLES says:
Glad i didnt read this before i went to bed, i dont sleep well as it is. How is this for excitement. If he helps win One cup is he worth 100 mill. I say yes but if he goes from 40/50 goals a yr to 20/25 ala Lecavalier dont bitch about the contract. Lecavlier brought them the cup and is great in the community but he makes alot of money for 20 goals.
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bossy22 says:
Think of it this way. Yashin’s cap hit is 4.25 mil this year (the peak)and drops to 2.2 mil next year. Savings. There is a possibility of DP having to retire…that is another 4.5 mil off the cap. Over the next year or two, we could have over 6 mil off the cap. Kovy would cost us 4 mil more then we have. Not to mention 2 players that haven’t been on the ice. Lock up Okposo and Tavares long term over the next 2 years and we have our core set for the next decade. DO IT
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Hey Strummer… How about Travis Zajac? The Devils also have two very good Sweedish forward prospects developing. Brodeur is getting old but that system will allow him to win 35+ games. They are not as bad off as you think.
However, I think adding Kovalchuk to the Isles young core is a no brainer. Hope he signs on the dotted line today.
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dose says:
whoa nellie!
by 6 last evening i was sure they were done. i was satisfied they at least picked up a couple guys to make them a little better. i especially liked the konopka signing.
BUT THIS!
this would be incredible!
i wonder if they – mr. wang really – would even consider something like this without some degree of certainty re: the LH/other plan in the offing.
if this happens i’m gonna freak. -
Chris, thanks again for your tireless work and best of luck in your new home. Hopefully the Isles’ have a new home (on Long Island) soon!!!
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Gary says:
Wang looks at Salary floor, knows he is 8-9 mil short of it. Can make that up with 1 player. On top of that 4 mil of that is Yashin buyout, which drops to 2 mil next year, also how this might effect a couple of Kirills?
2nd Is DP done? I hope not but if so, then 4.5 off the number with LTIR puts this team way down, another 3 will be gone next year with Witts contract. All I am saying is this club will be at least 5 million more under the floor next year with just Yash and Witts numbers included, thats obviously half of the 10 for 10? -
isles14 says:
kovi could be to the isles what hernandez was to the mets.
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Julie from FLA says:
Great speed, great size, 52 goals twice, over 90 points twice. How else are we going to get a player like that without overpaying? Do you really see any of our prospects reaching that level?
Especially without a top-notch player to show them the way.
IMHO, it’s too much and too long, but as others have said, he’s no Yashin.
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Get Er Dne says:
Can u imagine what the thunder and ecitement will be like on Opening Night if this gets done? The roof will blow off the ol barn! Seriously!
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Irish Isle says:
Just woke up, refreshed this, and I am reading Garth making an offer to Kovy. What? What? What?
Put me in the skeptical camp. I really think this is just Garth’s way of saying he tried, and wasnt able to sign fa’s people heard of before. Classic Wag the dog.PS – Good Luck on the Move CB
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Pete says:
Lets get this done,we need to show the rest of the league we are serious and other players will want to come here.Then we go out and trade for a top defenseman.
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I woke up to this rumor and am obviously in shock. And now I won’t be able to do ANYTHING today because I will be glued to twitter. But as an Islanders fan I think I know how this ends…
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Dregger just reported he still feels kovy is going to the kings. Let’s hope he’s wrong for one of the first times
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Dreger just tweeted despite Isles offer, Kovy to Kings.
Let’s all move on from this. Like a good thing could ever happen to the Islanders. Please.
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NYIChooch says:
So here I am reading the spin produced in Newsday this morning, ready to grab the razor blades, when I come online and see this…
We need Kovi, but for $10 million a year, for 10 years…eeek. If it was $10 million for 3-4 years, sure, but 10 years? Also, that salary is worth more per year than Ovechkin and Crosby’s salary.
And hopefully this in no way hampers the Isles effort in signing JT, Bailey and KO to long term deals in the next few years. That’s more important than adding a huge $100 million dollar contract.
Also, if Wang is willing to spend $100 million over 10 years for a player, and knowing that 3 of his young cornerstone players are due for raises soon, it leads me to believe the following:
a) The LH project will get done and that Wang will probably accept a watered-down version.
b) Wang is not selling he team. When TB sold, they didn’t sign anyone one, let alone add a huge 10 year deal.
c) If the LH is truly dead, then he has another deal in place somewhere else.If this happens, JT’s stats will go through the roof and they will speed up the rebuild obviosuly.
I got to admit I am a little torn on this if it happens. I know I was one of the biggest complainers the past few days, but I never want to overpay like this for a player. Not for 10 years anyway.
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I just pushed the “I Believe” button!
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a REAL hockey fan says:
.. WOW good morning, SHWWIIIIIINNNG!!!!!
.. I think he would actually add alot to the team (of course) and his contract would not *KILL US* with Yashin + Witt coming off of salary (There over $5 million) He adds instant offense and is the sniper this team hasnt had in a while
.. I REALLY REALLY hope they dont do 10 years (that really is 2 long) but a 5-6 year deal at $8-10 million wound not be that bad against the cap. We will need to sign our younger guys and you dont want him to become “fat/lazy” with a longer deal, but 5 years at 9 mill would be fine!
.. It might happen, with the young talent starting to season, him coming here and playing in NY and the possibility of a new bldg, he might actually consider coming here, wow lets see..
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Mike from Oceanside says:
Consider this: To land Kovy, you’re looking at 10mil for 10 years as has been reported. That’s 1/6th of the current cap room for one player.
Two days ago, you could have spent that same money on THREE well established players for less money and less length of time.
I can’t see spending that money for that length of time when we have to look down the road at when we will have to open the wallet to keep JT, JB, KO, etc with this club in a few years.
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Dregger seems to have good info. Kovy’s camp created exactly the buzz they needed to get the Kings to up their offer. Oh well, maybe one or both of the Kirill’s will make us forget all about Kovy…..in a few years.
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My gripe is this: WHy would the Islanders allow this information to leak like this? That’s just not fair to us. The Islanders know what this type of information would do to us. We all KNEW it. And than Dreger wakes up and ruins the holiday weekend. Thanks Garth, Charles. Keep this crap to yourself. NJ and LA had no problem keeping offers to themselves.
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Michael says:
We can’t sign Kovy because they gave his spot to PA Parenteu
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Bob says:
After reading the story in Newsday about the Isles not being able to sign any big free agents because of the building, I’m wondering why Kovy would even consider coming here. Sounds like he’s using the Isles to drive up his price and really has no intention of coming here. If he does, it would be awesome and perhaps help us attract more high quality players. Keeping my fingers crossed.
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#308 Sorry Cuzzo 5-6 years is not cutting it. Maybe the kings can give that to him but in order for the isles to land him its 8-10 for 10! That’s it!
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Whats the big deal about LA? Why would he want to go there so badly? What do they have over New York? They’re “close” to a Cup? Really? Won’t they have to deal a player or two to get under the cap once they sign Kovy?
Isles offer him 10 mill a year for 10 years and he refuses to take less money in LA? He’s a fool. Going to LA is going off the hockey radar. NY, especially with a revitalized Isles team, will be a MUCH better destination.
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Chris, you’ve been in this business a long time. This is probably the biggest story you’ve had in a very long time. Please do you due diligence for Isles fans. You are our lifeline into keeping sane. Please, if your good sources tell you to tell us to move on, tell us. We just want the truth, no dicking around. If you’ve got information that says we don’t have a shot, all I ask is that you relay that information to Isles fans. Thank you so much for all that you do. I don’t know how many of us would keep sane without you.
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if he wants 10 for 10,then he can play in LA. 65 for 6.That should be the limit.
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hoguefanclub says:
@313. He’d want to go there because they have a lot of young talent. Imagine a line that statrs with Kopitar….Kovalchuk. I hope he comes here but I can totally understand that they have the blocks in place. Doughty, Kopitar, Kovalchuck. Maybe not Cup material but on the right track.
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For those of us that remember, be wary of a similar situation to that of Milbury’s pursuit of Roenick in the 1990s. I think they later conceded to the PR of it all.
Having said that, that was a different owner and different GM (but now, his first fib?). Still, I want to believe.
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I’m sitting here in the dentist chair waiting to get my teeth cleaned, refreshing my Blackberry! Yes, this has reached the “NUTSO” stage, becuase I’m there.
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LouD says:
#309, two days ago those three same players chose to go to contending teams. There was no way we were signing them unless ofcourse you’re talking about signing them on EA sports NHL 2010. But in real life great players want to win now, not in two years, so our sales pitch is lacking. Garth can’t sign these types of players right now.
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ron says:
@ Big Van:
the kings are much closer to a cup final than the Isles. LA is an exciting city, actually. even if the kings let go of 2-3 guys for the sake of salary cap, they STILL have a better chance to the cup. Even if he doesn’t sign with LA, Kovalchuk will sign in the west. Face it, folks, he ain’t coming to Long Island to play for wang -
Jeff says:
The problem with these long term lucrative contracts is it makes players untradable.
It’s fine to give Kovy 10 million this year and maybe the next few.What happens in a few years when our young talent turns out to be better than Kovy?We have already set the bar at 10 million.That’s when we have to trade our youth because we can no longer afford to keep them. -
LA is a cess pool of fake, plastic faced people. Seriously it’s a freak show out there. Only exciting if you’re into smog, slums on one side and rich snooty a-holes on the other. The East coast rules!
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znatokhokkeya says:
that would be fantastic, but 10 years is insane, learn from your mistakes.
6-7 years max -
#318, Right on, and then we’re back in the Yashin situation again. 10 years is too long I hope Wang isn’t stupid enough to make the same mistake THREE times. Hey, good news Kovi fans, he is that stupid.
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Kevvy says:
If this gets done I pledge to do my part. I will stop parking at Nassau Community College and I will pay the $15.
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Rombough says:
Snow is so shrewed..signs four guys that p*%s off the populace….Charles gets tired of reading all the negativity, turns to Snow, opens his wallet and says, “Do Something!”
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Tony says:
I’d be excited about this if it was 2006.
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I don’t see it happening. I wish it would, but this could just show other UFAs that the Isles are willing to pay and we might end up with another guy.
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So glad CB told us that Wang was working the draft table as hard as the scouts were. It’s always good to know your hockey team is in good hands. I mean who wouldn’t want a meddling owner who has little to no experience in hockey scouting telling our scouts who we should pick?! This guy will never learn.
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B says:
max 6 years….do we really need to relive another insanely long contract?… it doesnt work
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I just cut off my hands and placed lemons in my eyes so I don’t have to think about this all day…………crap……I’m still thinking about this.
But really….are King’s fans, let alone Devil’s fans, even coming close to what we Islander fans are doing right now?????
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Next stop: Gagne? Bobby Ryan? Sigh, Can I finally go to sleep now? What time is it? Better yet, What day is it? Just get one big D-man and let the chips fall where they may. We have until March of next year to deal, if the team is not doing well. But hey, we have some good offensive prospects, I am sure at least 1 or hopefully much more will surprise us! Sorry, I’m blabbing. tired.
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dynasty23x4 says:
wow, this is the last time i dont check ipb for a 12 hour period! one long sleep and i miss out on all this hysteria. go get ‘em garth!
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Staten Islander says:
I just woke up and thought I dreamt that the Isles were making a push for kovolchuck. HAD to be a dream, can’t be true.
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Is there anyway to front load a 10 year contract so the cap hit is less in 4-5 years? Or is the cap hit averaged and spread out?
Just want to see if we can get creative with this.
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chris says:
guys we’ve gone through this before on july 1, from Bure to Roenick, there not getting Kovy.
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bcarroll25 says:
if cb is correct and wang took the lead to negotiate with ilya can people get off of his back about spending money. he has spent and lost vast sums of money. he is not guilty of being cheap, but of being stupid and having trust in milbury’s judgement of players.
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German Islesfan says:
we germans say “all good things are three” after the bad luck with Yashin and DP’s long term contracts i hope we see Kovi for a long time in blue and orange. Lets do it Charles and Garth !!
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isles72 says:
paying 10 mil a year/10 years for kovalchuk is a loser proposition
doing due dilligence and offering a legit deal in the 7 year , 7 mil per range is smart
I dont care if we have the lousiest facilities in the league -you should give reasonable offers ,not pathetic ones
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JayK says:
For the Republicans running the Town of Hempstead, they view the Lighthouse as a matter of survival. Their view is that mixed density only attracts young people or as a highly-ranking GOP operative told me, “New York City Democrats.” They think that they lost control in North Hempstead because of things like the East Hills development bringing in those NYC Dems. I’m not saying we shouldn’t sign Kovalchuk, but if Wang thinks that Kate Murray/Joe Mondello/Anthony Santino are going to change their views because of Ilya Kovalchuk is seriously delusional.
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isles#72 I dont care if we have the lousiest facilities in the league -you should give reasonable offers ,not pathetic ones
Totally agree dude, players go for the money these days so the craphole we play in should’nt make a difference if we offer serious contracts…..
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I wonder if they overpaid for Frolov and made him an Islander, would that increase our chances. Even if it didn’t I’d love to sign a talent like Frolov for a 3yr deal. Could help the Russians settle in. What do you peeps think?
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gwashington says:
and who said it they weren’t gonna have any 4th of july fireworks on long island
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EJ-1since40 says:
Well boys and girls, let’s strap in for this ride!!
CB, as usual, your right on. Can this be a ploy of some sort?? Are Wanger and Garth that low to push this fan base THIS far and then pull the rug from under us again??
Obviously, with the Yashin deal and DP looking like perhaps early retirement with his 15 year deal, I believe WE are all on the same page about ANOTHER xtra long term deal. BUT, a 6 year deal would put Ilya playing in his prime on the Island, and then of course, all the positive intangibles that would fall out from this.
Instant credibility with this fan base, sell-outs galore, as the Isles would be one HOT tix in the ol’barn.
AND, Glen Sather would probably dive off his perch high atop MSG.
Let’s stick it to em’!!!
Geez, I need a beer..
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sounds good…just sign and revamp the non-productive crap on this team with fresh productive meat… case and point with HUNTER…..
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Steve says:
If the team was to sign Ilya for the 10 mill per that is being talked about… How would this impact their ability to resign all the young talent they’ve accumulated over the last few years? They’ve already got the long term DP obligation… and, at least short term, still paying Yash…
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hyedray says:
Another fan quelled a concern and wanted to mention it….I was nervous that a big contract like that could hurt our chances of keep our home grown guys. The thing is—and this is fact—We will shed $7.9 mil in salary next season. We lose Roloson (2.5) Witt (3) and Yashins buyout drops from 4.6 to 2.2. That is $7.9 and frankly—we are also going to shed Jurcina’s 1 mil. That is 8.9 and the two other signings total 1.2—so at this point next year—if the cap does not change—and we sign Ilya…we would like be under the cap floor. Point is—plenty of room to keep adding players, and resign Bailey, Okposo and hold JT in 2013.
If Ilya says yes, you have to make this move.
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bhockey47 says:
Kovi’s wife says she likes the weather in LA, guess she doesn’t know Long Island has beaches in the Top 10 and that they’d be TRUE stars in the Hamptons…
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JoeRiverside says:
Only 27 yrs old, a Kovalchuk signing works for this young Isles team. This would not work if the Isles paid big bucks for an 32yr old-ish star, because just as JT & Co would be coming into their own, the star’s skills would be declining. But IK fits the bill!
Although, I think money is a major factor in Kovalchuk’s decision, Snow would also have to convince him that the Isles are 100% heading in the right direction.
Go for it Snow! -
JTorBust says:
I don t think any fans are actually agaisnt this , we are just realists and know it won’t happen. I give credit to Garth and Snow for trying but they should know they are just pawns is Ilya’s agent getting as much money as he can from another team. I think the main issue with this team attracting talent is instead of a GM we have a retired backup goaltender who is a puppet for an eccentric billionare who has made this team his pet project. No way we sign Kovie , be happy we got someone who will stand up for his teammates , its a step in the right direction.
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The only part that worries me is the 10 year part, for the obvious reasons
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orngfan says:
what’s with islanders fans wanting sheldon souray really? what do we know about him besides his name? the last 5 years he was -19, +1, -7,-28,-11 .. this is a defenseman people! yeah he can score on the PP but thats what forwards are for he needs to STOP the puck from going in first!
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Now i want this done whether it makes sense or not. This is the excitement that makes us fans. There is nothing like when you have a contending team . imagine the euphoria if that ever happens. Dream big. new arena and or lighthouse, playoff hockey and raising the cup
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CB, I think this shows how passionate some Long Islanders are about our team. We are all writing comments on a nice 4th of July weekend. With the World Cup games going on today, also. All about a dream that I hope comes true! Charles do it, we need to bring the fans back next season.
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John from Atl says:
I moved to Atlanta in 2003 and having seen Kovy play for most of his career. Kovy is not Yashin. While he was unable to get the Trashers to the plyoffs and beyond that was not his fault. He wants to win but he is very simliar to Pedro Martinez in that he wants respect too (meaning the annual salary he feels he should be paid). And the Islanders like the Mets when they signed Pedro need to over pay to sign a big time player.
I was very happy with Snow’s signings yesterday and would have been willing to see just a few more minor moves (resign Weight, a raise for Molson, maybe some AHL type FAs for Bridgeport to get them over the cap; and waiting for the development of the draft picks. Thinking it was OK not to make the playoffs in 2010-11 for the good of the long term rebuild and real goal of winning the cup not just making the playoffs.
But I didn’t realize they were still $9M under the cap.
Normally I would rather have two players at $4M-$5M each than one for $10M. But 40 goal scorers don’t come around every day and you may have to change your schedule to meet the opportunity.
I’m more concerned about the number of years than the per year salary. Signing Kovy will not bring the cup back to LI but it could speed up the rebuild. Plus Kovy is still only 27. There aren’t many bad things about this. Maybe they could grant him a no trade clause for only the first five years. Ten years is a long time.
I don’t think signing him has anything to do with the Lighthouse project. The ToH and Murray have no idea who Kovy is. The ToH is move concerned about how the Nassau County Republican party looks and traffic than wins or loses with the Islanders.
Its fun to think about but, I don’t think it will happen. -
rich d says:
warning. signing this guy to a monster contract is a mistake! ive seen him play enough to know he is extremely weak in his own zone. 2 yrs in and everyone will be crying to get rid of him. dont get cought up in the hype. do you see the devils going nuts to resign him? what does that tell you
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Russel Ginart says:
Folks “WE ARE BEING PLAYED” Kovy will NOT be Islander! Write it down. IMO, I am not thrilled with the idea of having Kovy on the Isle. I do NOT want another Yashin-type disater. We have a lot of young talent coming up. Stay the course: steady rebuild 100%.
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Nick Pezzotti says:
The Fourth Period and Darren Dreger still think hes going to the Kings. I hate getting my hopes up. The bottom line is no matter how much money or how long this contract is, it would be worth every penny if the Islanders could get him. He is NOT yashin and in 10 years he will only be 38 which isint terribly old for hockey. We havent had anyone like this for years, and it would really help us. Have any of you seen Tavares skate? He is not an elite NHL player Kovalchuck is.
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at this point, this organization has nothing left to lose.
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Mariio says:
No to Kovalchuk!!!!!!!! Give some of that money to Bobby Ryan instead. We do NOT need Yashin II
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After sleeping on it I wake up this morning thinking its all staged by the Islanders. They inquire about Kovy with no intention of signing him. Then when he doesnt sign they can say they tried and the Coliseum is the reason he didnt sign.
I think we are all getting excited for nothing. No reason for him to sign here. Very sad.
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Seth says:
We’re always USED by agents to run contracts costs up!! That’s our M.O. and we never realize how dumb we look until after they sign with another team. I cant stand being the “nice rich guy” who never gets the hot chick, cause we’re a bunch of losers!! Please make me eat my words Garth!! Please!!
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CM says:
Don’t offer a 10 year deal. Keep under 6 years. Can you really expect him to be scoring 30+ goals 6 years from now? 10 years is just plain silly. Even for anyone including Crosby or Ovie.
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I love how everyone keeps saying he is not Yashin. Yeah, well has anyone heard of this guy, I think his name is Rick DiPietro. One injury and Kovalchuk could be done. 10 years is too risky. I’d rather pass and just keep going with the rebuild. Although if he does sign here I will be ecstatic and will be so happy. I will just hope for the sake of this franchise he doesn’t get injured and lives up to that kind of contract.
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the whole we need to sign kovy to hit the salary floor is bs. once all rfa’s are signed isles will be about 3-4 million below the floor
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Obs says:
Just woke up and am wondering if this is a cruel joke?
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Did he sign with L.A yet? I am way to obsessed with this blog! My birthday is 7/7, and boy do I know what garth can give me. Hint: It rimes with POVULCHUK! Someone, please, let me know what’s going on. I went on the N.H.L. XM radio and all I heard was the guy that brings the stanley cup out with the gloves. That show should be broadcast in August, not now! Where is Kovy talk?
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Don’t need Kovie to hit the cap floor. Other teams are well below cap too. See St. Louis. Remember Wayne Gretzky was 27 yrs old when he went to L.A. Had maybe 5 good years, then went downhill. He was the Great One and even a 10 year deal for him would have looked stupid.
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i think next week going to be interesting, if not for other teams
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345—by B-day on the 6th—so we both get a b-day present.
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The New Isles GM says:
It just went from six to midnight.
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battfist says:
Jay Grossman-”Thank you Garth!”
Snow-”You owe me….”
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Blackhawks signed Hossa people said that deal was a waste! Yes it might be but when you haven’t won the cup for almost 50 years I think it was worth it!
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Rich M says:
A high ranking islander source stating that the deal is all but done. I can’t believe it till i see it though.
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Lance79 says:
With all due respect CB, remember Milbury’s PR stunt with his supposed ‘courting’ of Jeremy Roenick when he was an RFA back in the summer of 1996?
Obviously I’ll gladly be wrong but I think we’ve been disappointed enough times in the last few days to take it too seriously yet, regardless of who the ‘source’ is.
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big dally mac says:
If you are going to do the 10 year 100 million; front load the first 6 years so their isn’t as much left at the end. You are allowed to pay him 11.8 mil a year under this cap, so give him the max for the first six years, play it smart, and have signing bonuses each year to make him a little easier to trade. But with that contract, that would be 98% unmovable.
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gary says:
@349 Rich M
Where is this being stated?
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matt says:
#347 ha
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I agree with big daily, PLEASE front load it, and Garth, if you’re looking, GET ‘ER DONE!
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A source close to my family within the organization. Pretty much echoing Cb’s Fanhouse article. We have been in since July 1st not July 2nd though.
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Sal82 says:
Come on Isles!
Get this done ASAP! The unveiling of Kovy & Frolov will be amazing!
10 years @ 10 million is well worth it!
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Rich, I really hope you’re right. This would be a huge step in the right direction for this organization, in my opinion.
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AJAX says:
I’m having a hard time figuring out CBs timelines in this read.
I need a few drinks. -
Donna says:
My husband thinks the Isles would be making another mistake to get such an impact player at this stage of the rebuild. Before this news of the quest for kovie he joked that the isles had put up a new sign over the players entrance at NVMC “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here”
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im just getting way to excited right now. i never even thought we would b in this now that we are i just cant help but thinking kovi on tavares wing would just be awsome
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My cousin’s; grandmas, mailman knows a guy who heard that the deal is done. We’ve all heard the story. Don’t post that you’ve heard it’s done without posting a source. It’s annoying as hell and a waste of four seconds to read your inaccurate post.
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I don’t know if it is or not. I really haven’t wrapped my head around it long enough. But think about the non-hockey ramifications. It makes the franchise more valuable immediately. Guys this is what I have been told. The value of the ISlanders would increaxse dramatically. They can then be moved, sold or leveraged back to Nassau County. Wang is no idiot.
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I agree with big dally mac.
Come on Garth, we have faith in you!
Save our Isles the humiliation of losing to teams like the Maple Laughs!
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Adam B says:
Hey CB, good luck with the move today. Thanks for even contemplating keeping us rabid fans up-to-date on such a hectic day for you and your family.
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brian says:
349… where is your source? link or or i call BS
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CB, I would offer my services to help ease your move (if I lived in the state of NY).
I have been glued to this blog -instead of watching the Argentina/Germany footy match!
I have a feeling that in the end, it will be well worth it.
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sal i wanted to watch that match as well but after just checking the score i think were both in the right place lol
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Mario says:
Anyone that says we should not sign this guy is an idiot. Who cares what he does in the defensive zone. HES A FORWARD!!!!!!!!! That is why we have d-men. Sign him Garth to 10 yrs and make it worthwhile to come to the Coliseum from Connecticut.
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@Brian…how can he have a link, when he said it was through a family member? He is also atleast the 2nd person here who said that someone in the Isles org, has said it was a done deal.
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jimisles says:
I just can’t see this happening. Nah it couldn’t. Nope notta chance. Zilch, zippo, nil.
Could it?????
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
I musta just missed this post last night… I was looking up F.A. info last night around 10pm on Google, and I saw Ilya and Islanders in the same search post… I clicked … and clicked and clicked. It was all over the place. I figured if anyone had the scoop it was you CB … I checked Point Blank … still nothing since you closed the previous thread .. Checked Katie … Nothing … Figured it was just (blog-fog) … yes … I coin’d that. I went to bed wondering … hymmmmm … Kovy + Islanders = so many positive variables for both sides.
So now for the last 2 hours I’ve been reading everything I can about it … and to me … as good as it would be … I still think Kovy will choose the Kings … not out of disrespect for the Isles … but only because the Kings are closer to contention without arena issues.
If Charles and Garth pull this off … I suggest “Eat Crow Night” at NVMC.
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@Lance
Everyone seems to have a friend/family member in the organization. But rarely do those rumors come to fruition. When a legit source says it is a done deal I will believe it.
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matt, the match ended 4-0
I’m glad I was here as well! haha
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Nobody says:
So, on Thursday we were cheap and Wang/Snow were idiots. Today, we are spending too much and are still idiots. The moral of the story for management; the fanbase will think you’re a bunch of idiots no matter what you do, so just do what you think is best and ignore the ‘noise’.
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Oh, and I am 100000% confident that Charles isn’t doing this to get the LHP approved … I think he’s more steeped in reality than that. It makes the Isles more attractive to the area in general … BUT … I am sure Charles doesn’t think Kate and the Gang of TOH will be impressed enough to be swooned by that “muse” Ilya Kovalchuk.
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This is interesting…..
“Should Kovalchuk join the Isles, it would be an interesting closing of a circle. The Isles finished last in 2000-01, but lost the draft lottery to Atlanta — which used the No. 1 pick on Kovalchuk, who had passed Jason Spezza in the draft ratings. Then Isles-GM Mike Milbury opted to deal the No. 2 pick to Ottawa as part of a package for Alexei Yashin — a deal that didn’t turn out the way the Isles had hoped. Had the Isles retained the No. 1 pick after the lottery, Milbury likely would have kept it and taken Kovy.”
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until its on TSN or NHL or here, its not a done deal.
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Let’s get this done!!!
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Playing “Devils” advocate for a second, does anyone have an opinion on what kind of impact he had on the Devils at the end of the year and playoffs?
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Moulson26 says:
People need to stop claiming that they have the inside track on this deal. There really is no way to know if the deal is set unless you are Wang or Snow. Stop contacting family members who work in the ticket offices or janitors to figure out if this deal is done.
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Secondly, a player will not get the LH deal done. The only thing that will get the LH done is if people begin to start talking about the islanders again as a legit organization which attracts a massive fanbase. If Kovy starts making noise on the island and we start becoming a force in the east, that will bring people back. Then, Wang gets what he wants.
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wow WFAN is talking about it-they never talk about the isles
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Wouldn’t it nice to not remember this july as the “Summer we got Mark Eaton”
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Frank nyc says:
Im tempted to get excited about this news but im gonna try not to yet. I still believe that using the Isles as leverage is playing some part in this news. Kovi’s agent is trying to get the most out of the Kings. I do believe Garth is making a serious push but their is no way to know the intentions of Kovi or the agent.
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Exactly Matt Moulson. Didn’t know you were a subscriber to Point Blank. Great year last year. Your going back to the second or third line as IK eats up your PP time.
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islandersfan4ever says:
If Kovalchuk does this deal,it will be the shocker of the …FOREVER!However,I am not optimistic,because we have seen too much disappointment for decades with this team.IMO,Kovy will bolt for $$$$ to the KHL.(So will Nabby).If we got him,he would improve the teams’ selling point. I will also be happy to prepare a dinner of crow fricasse.I just don’t see it happening.
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#371, i just heard the same thing on the FAN. They quoted the LA Times as their source saying Kovi and Isles “finalizing a deal”. I will believe it when CB or Katie reports it.
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BIG BOY says:
My heart hurts………
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isles71 says:
Holy Crap!!! Got up, turned on NHL network to check on free angent signings, and saw this!?!!!? Thought my wife over medicated me (just had back suegery). This works on so many levels…your fan-base is exstatic & season tix sales increase, jerseys & merchandise sales go way up, shows ToH you are serious about your product, helps with LHP, as well as it gets the Kirils’ over here and adds extra motivtion for them…it is one big snowball effect!! Go Garth GO!!!!!!!
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I have my credit card ready to become a season ticket holder again.
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WFAN in the action. Who broke the news Evan “daddy o” Roberts?
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Nice to see Islander fans just awaking at the crack of noon.
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are you messing with me?
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if it happens be prepare for $15 beer and $30 parking
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I just looked on another website and saw a picture of Ilya Kovalchuck wearing a turtle neck under his jersey. HmMmMm what other russian with a ten year deal with islanders also wore turtle necks under his jersey…this could mean something.
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anyone saying not to pay up here, come talk to me when you’re watching tavares pass to trent hunter on the powerplay, i was born in 1984, i’ve seen enough losing, roll the dice.
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Rich, pleeeeeeeeeease be right!
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i want this to happen but we have to b smart and pay him like 15 mil a year the first 3 years to ensure cap space in the future
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My friend just had a funny quip about this whole thing. Wang is helping Kovy’s agent by driving up his price to LA, and Kovy’s agent is helping fuel the fire by increasing the hits to the Isles’ website.
Oh the conspiracy theories about. However, it seems plausible.
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Dave says:
An Actual impact UFA, i am all for it, but I will believe it when I see it. Despite all the “Isles finalizing deal” stories from LA Times & WFAN people are talking about, I wont get excited until the ink is dried on the contract. This would be a game changer for Isles and show other players they are serious. Will it happen, prob not, Kovalchuk will be a Devil or King in my opinion. Prove me wrong Snow/Wang!
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asher says:
Cap hits are averaged. Backloading does nothing, at least from a fan’s perspective (I’m sure it means something to the guy signing the checks).
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Alice Cooper says:
#384…the cap hit is determined by the average amount of the overall contract. it doesn’t matter if you front load it or not. the only place that might help is down the line when you want to trade him…the cap hit will be the same, but the team acquiring him won’t have to pay as much ‘real’ money.
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384 – i may be wrong but i believe that the cap hit is the average salary over the entire contract so even if they pay him 15 the first half of the contract and 5 per the second half, it will still be a 10 million cap hit each year
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thank you i didnt know that
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Islesfaninflorida says:
lol #315 im doin exactly wthe same. sittin at the dentist waiting for some big news. come on garth!!!
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Could it be a Kovy-Frlov combo? No it’s not!
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Frei says:
This team needs more than one guy. Also, this guy is not a leader, something else this team needs badly is leadership.
However, doing (or attempting to do) the insane is the trademark of an insane (or in our case just ignorant and egoist) owner.
This Reeks of Wang. I don’t doubt he would offer 100M for Kovy. But Ovechkin, he is not.
Really, who cares? It’s not my money, things can’t get any worse, and if this blows up, I’m hardly vested in this team after 20 years of being mocked, anyway.
I say go for it. Worst comes to worst you buy him out like Yashin and send him back to Russia.
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Merrick says:
I’m ambivlalent–reflecting the bipolar nature of our owner and our fans. Go cheap, be patient, spend nothing, then BOOM.
This would certainly make the Islanders a much better team and more plausible playoff contender and sell tickets–but does it bring us closer to capturing a Stanley Cup and enable us to sign the players that go along with him?
Do we have a Kovul-cap or will we spend to the league cap if the team improves and needs those added pieces.
For all of Kovi’s greatness–including additions of Heatley and Hossa, the Thrashers made the playoffs once.
But then, I see Kovi on the point for our PP and JT down low….Someone get me off this roller coaster.
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Steve says:
I don’t think Kovalchuk is the best fit for the Islanders as he can take very long shifts according to Pat Foley. However, I would be OK with the Islanders signing him. Hopefully his signing gives the Islanders a better chance to move to Queens.
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steve im all for hearing legit reasons for not wanting kovi but taking long shifts can not be the reason we dont sign him
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David says:
For anyone who actually thinks that Kovy would like LA more than New York you must not know about how Russians feel. Sure you could say he wants to win NOW, bla bla. The Kings are not going to win with the roster they have now, yes theyre closer than the islanders, but within a few years Im thinking 2-3, the Islanders are going to have a GREAT young and competitive team. Location wise New York is New York, LA doesnt even come close, theres a HUGE Russian population here in both Brooklyn and Long Island. Heck Alexei Yashin still has his house in Old Westbury. It would also be much closer to Moscow where he travels often. Then you have the fact that Wang is selling the idea of having this HUGE Lighthouse project started with him being the centerfold. AND he is being offered 100 million dollars in addition to all of that? I mean its really not that illogical for him to come here, despite what many of you or others are saying. Whether or not he decides to come here, the fact is it would make sense if he did come here.
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The Pork Chop Express says:
Kovy would def help the isles but 100 mil for 10 years is crazy. we got burned twice already with big contracts. 5-6 year deal is fine but not 10. I rather have two really good players at 5 mill a year!!! Plus should anyone be making more then ovie and sid???
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pork chop
I
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gwashington #441:
I just heard it as well..
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pork chop
i agree with you but the sad reality is at this point we need to overpay alot in order to get a player with his talent. -
cowens727 says:
gwashington: I heard it as well….I don’t think they report that if it’s just a “rumor”. I have to say, with all the info that is availabe, this will be a great thing for the Isles..Kovy will bring respect to a moribund franchise, a legit top 10 forward, fans in the seats and a realistic shot at not just the playoffs, but a chance to make a god run while there…I’m for this happening..
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purify says:
kovi is second only to ao in points last five seasons.. should he be making more NO! but a team in our situation has to overpay because we are not there yet as far as being a contender. last two champs had a one two punch. toews kane / corsby malkin. maybe in a couple of years it will be tavares kovoalchuck. when we been trying to overpay for d man that turned us down i have no problem going after and overpaying an elite forward. also have to check even f contract is front heavy the average amount over the years of the contract will count against the cap. that the only negative.
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hahahaha, meant to say “good”…
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nyisles2157 says:
nobody complained when pit signed crosby to a long contract or ovechkin or zetterberg nobody should complain if we get him bc wen where in the playoffs and he scores 45 goals next year it will be well wortth it
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Kovy doesn’t make us an instant cup favorite…but he cuts 2-3 years off the re-build…why would we not do this? Yeah, a 10 yr contract seems a bit much, but if that’s what it takes, why not? I would have to think that Snow and Co. would put performace incentives in any contract to make sure Kovy doesn’t just sit pretty durng the length of the contract…
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Jordan says:
Congrats on the new place, CB.
Still unsure about signing Kovalchuk, the length of the contract scares me, not the dollars involved.
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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
my head just exploded….
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if he signs for ten years its still two years shorter then luongo!! had to say it for all the candian fans giving hell over a ten year contract. he will be a free agent the same year a hossa. just saying. come on garth!! to hell with the bbq’s
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No way this gets done at $10 million per year. More like $7-8. Just cannot see the Islanders paying $10 million a year to a guy who doesn’t compare to Ovechkin and Crosby, who make less per year.
Plus, think about next year when Parise is a UFA. He is a better all-around player. Think his agent is salivating right now? What do you pay Parise? $12 million a year?
This would drive up salaries considerably. Can’t see Wang pissing fellow owners off (again).
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I think it was a good thing that the Isles leaked their offers out on the 2 free agent
DMen and on Kovaluchuk. Isles fans are always dying to get any info they can. And Isles fans & NHL Fans should know that the Isles did their best to improve their team. So are we 9 mil under the cap or 6 mil? Does the initial offers we made to our RFA’s count against the 9 mil? After signing all our RFA’s how much under the Cap are we? If we don’t get Kovalchuk the Isles will have to make a huge offer on Alex Frolov. I don’t think we will take on Sheldon Souray’s contract. Are options are very few. -
the only new studs in islander land after this weekend i’m sorry to say will be the one’s in chris’ new home
he’s not coming here. when it’s over we will be happy wang tried and feel angry that he took less money to go somewhere else
and rooting against him for the next ten years
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Also this story could have been put out there to hype up CB’s blog…hahahahahahah
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Kovalchuk is the start of the process, not the end game, to getting us back to contending in the east. Our conf. has Crosby, Malkin,Ovie, Stamkos….it would not hurt to have a 30-40 goal/year guy on our team. If he comes here and brings winning, more top-flight layers would think about making the move to LI…
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Jeez, I can’t type…meant to say players…
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Just think, if they get Kovy, they could pair him with the Krill’s and have the K K K line, oh Robert Byrd would be so proud !!!!
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cowens727 on Jul 3rd, 2010 13:02:10 said:
Kovy doesn’t make us an instant cup favorite…but he cuts 2-3 years off the re-buildtotally disagree dude.. this signing changes everything..more sell outs means more noise means more energy for the players to feed off of giving us a better effort equaling more wins…the isles would go far in the playoffs with this AND MORE SIGNINGS. snow cant stop there, like they did when they signed yashin peca and ozzy, they just stopped and the team stalled.
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Very true 454. You need star attractions. Especially being in NY. Hockey is not the only game in town.
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452, Ovechkin Crosby and Malkin signed while they were RFA’s, meaning they were payed less than they were actually worth.
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I think CB’s latest entry from his NEW Home Office says it all.
Only Charles, Garth and Cap #’s cruncher knows the real deal … and to be sure … The Isles aren’t in it to be posers … They are in the hunt to get Kovy.
All the other stuff we here is just the side noise / blog-fog of people positioning to be “The First” to scoop it. I have a feeling the scoop if and when it happens will come from Kovy’s agent directly … The Islanders and perhaps Garth will let Katie in first as the beat reporter for the Isles … Then news conference shortly after the announcement.
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Isles Fanatic says:
It’s not my money, so I really d not care, allI want is good signings that will not handcuff the team for years to come…
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IslesIsles2010 says:
Sign him please. Snow and Wang can nothinhg right with some of you. First some of you are sick of the rebuid and the 4th line free agents we sign. Afraid that JT and KO will bolt because of a lack of talent. Now you are concerned about the cap and the lenght of a players contract who scores 40 a year. Go get him Charles!!
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isle5 says:
Wait a second! I thought this was a youth movement like Chicago & Pittsburgh when they built Cup winners. This type of UFA move is very Garden like & I hate the Rangers. In a few years we have sign our own RFA’s (JT,KO,etc) to long term deals. We don’t need cap trouble until after we see the Cup in Uniondale or Flushing. But if this what it takes to get The Lighthouse done, I’m in. Build a winner & The Lighthouse thats what we want.
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CB: Hope the Mrs. is not giving you too much flak for working during your house move (I know mine would…LOL)
A chance to grab a player like Kovalchuk doesn’t present itself too often. I’m ok with Isles giving him 10 years. For those who bring up the Yashin situation…..pleasssse; Yashin is no Kovalchuk.
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I find it hilarious when people mention cap problems. First off we are still 15+ million below the cap. 2nd people are saying look what happened to Chicago. I think I’d trade a Cup for cap problems down the road
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Yashin’s deal comes off the books in 3/4 years. Plus if DP can’t come back and retires, I think his does as well. Thats about 7 mil, should help when JT, KO and JB come up for contracts, we’d STLL have plenty of room under the cap, providing they don’t all of a sudden have a case of the Sathers
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isle5: kovy is 27…this would be a crap load better than if we tried to go after, say, Marleau (who is on the wrong side of 30)….I have to think that kovy has 5-7 good/maybe great years ahead of him…
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mario says:
please get this done. i am a fan that lives in jersey and have been with this team since 75. we need him to get back to respectability. i am tired of being 3rd wheel to the other crappy teams around here.this will help the future of this franchise.
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To good too be true. Never in 10 million years will this happen its only to get la to raise their offer.
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Look at the rosters that won in Pitt and Chicago. Both were heavy with UFAs.
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JIsles says:
Kovulchuk is perfect for the islanders. Gordons gogo system is right up his alley. With such an uptempo style it fits right into his game. Also if we land him, that will tell the league we are for real and can parlay that into a trade for ie Kaberle, bobby ryan. Lets get this done. LETS GO ISLANDERS!!
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#465 Im with you here in Jersey five miles from “the rock” NJ Devils home. I have been with this team since game one in 1972. NEVER got into the Devils or the Rangers.
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I don’t see the isles ever having cap problems. Okiposo and baily will allways score under 25 goals a year . Neither has ever sniffed 20 goals. They will never make more then 3 mill a year
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I ddint mean to trade kovulchuk, i meant other players would see kovulchuk is here and they would welcome to play here with him. Parlay was a bad choice of words but I hope you all know what I meant. Too excited.
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Original Rob says:
This all reminds me of the Isles’ “attempt” to sign Sergei Fedorov way back when. You know, when they were going to back-load about 99% of the salary, and knew he would never accept the offer.
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BD Hendo says:
First ‘Serious’ stance by Wang & Snow; Go for it, this might get us at least into the playoffs the next few years & the ‘kids’ will learn from a REAL NHL’er!!!
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Willy P says:
if kovy signs for 10 mill that puts us at 1 mill over the floor, then next year u have K.O and baliy ready for long term deals and the money will still be there as the isles will be paying something 2.5 mill less for yashin plus who every the decided to resign the isles will have money for the youths, i no we havent seen it but there is no rule stopping the isles from getting to the cap max at any point. I say anytime u have a chance to add a 40 goal scorer to the line up do it, Him JT,KO, The krills nino if they all pan out and become as good as the can are aid to be the isles will be a team to watch. What ever happens out of this deal i will say was best for the team either long run or now but like i said before it never hurts to add 40 goals and 80 points to the lineup. This is that star player people said Tavares needed on his line. If garth can get it done. DO IT
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Plus, this will SELL TIX!
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Eric says:
It goes both ways for the kolvachuk signing if it ever happens. He would bolster the offense. It would put the isles in playoff contention and we could ever get nobakov to like a 3yr deal like 4 million a year. the isles would look pretty well rounded. People shouldnt have to worry about the cap because every year its going up a couple million. Baily wont command more than 3 million. okposo 5 million. Tavares 5 to 9 million depends on how good he gets. but Garth Snow did a very well job in not spending allot on players not needed. Well done Garth. Like Wade Redden deal the rangers did 6.5 mill for a 3rd pairing dman hahaha
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Well I am sure we will not hear anything today or tomorrow. We’ll have to wait until Monday, unless LA signs him.
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admin says:
The Rangers-Islanders thing is over. Move on.
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IslesFanInTN says:
How many games did the Isles lose last year by one goal? I don’t remember the answer but I remember being surprised when I saw how many it was. Isles desperately need Kovy. I can care less if he chokes in the playoffs. It would be nice to even be in the playoffs.
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Hopefully CB will obtain his second source for that tweeted tidbit
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Brian B says:
Thanks CB…I knew you would pull the comments but I was hoping that he would see that he isn’t welcome here lol. My bad. Its just gonna be Kovalchuk talk from now one.
I hope it gets done. Lets go Isles!!!!
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I hope this does not go to Monday. The suspense is killing me.
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sean says:
Kate Murray lied again it’s July and no proposal yet. I want kovy! !!
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If it happens, will Kate Murray attend the presser?
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RJT says:
Siberian Kremlin Line
Kabonov, Petrov, Kovy
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gilliesforPM says:
Just curious why any islander fan would be that concerned over whether is is 9 million or 11 million a year, or whether the contract is long term. If Kovy wants long term, he will get it. If he wants 11 million dollars a year, he is going to do his damnedest to get it.
Honestly, what difference would 1 million (difference between 10 and 11 MM) make in the long term for our roster and cap?So much upside on the ice – especially considering the two Kirills. so much upside off the ice – ticket sales = increased local tax revenue = more incentive for TOH to keep team.
So, if you think about it, since LA does not have the additional incentives we do to bring Kovy here, he is WORTH more to us, so it justifies the higher salary.
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the longer this goes-it will not happen-im starting to believ that it was all just a ploy-the old isles fan pessimism is setting in
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If nothing else, I sincerely hope this serious attempt is going to end the baloney of “Wang doesn’t care about winning” and “Wang is getting ready to sell.” He’s acting in sort of an odd way if either of those were true…don’t you think?
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NYI FAN says:
Signing Kovy brings ligitimacy to this team, something other FA’s will look for when choosing to sigh somewhere.
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Meditated on this for an hour. Came up with:
1. No doubt Wang would offer 10 for 10.
2. LI vs. LA for similar money here is a no-contest. Remember players are taking less elsewhere.
3. Best bet: Kovy using LI for bigger payday out west.
Bottom Line: Wang serious about Kovy, Kovy not serious about LI. This will not happen here.
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can you imagine another 500 posts after he signs elsewhere
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Wonder if the tidbit CB was referring to had to do with the 120 Million number he threw out there – he said the potential commitment was between 50 -120 Million. Where did 120 come from? 12 yrs at 10 MM per?? Is it possible Wang would go that nuts to get Kovy??
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I think he’s waiting for another team to up their offer honestly. I wouldn’t be suprised to hear he signs tonight.
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Michael Rotondo says:
If the opportunity arises that you can add a 40 goal scorer to your team without giving anything up, you do it! with the emerging young talent this team has and a star like Kovalachuk, the Isles could be a tough team for a while
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darren dregger who originally broke the story has kovalchuk to the kings. DO NOT GET YOUR HOPES UP ISLANDER FANS
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Andy says:
This is not going to happen…Its a PR stunt by Wang and Snow so they can turn around and say “see, we tried”. They know Isles country is annoyed after yesterday’s joke signings of Eaton, Jurchina, Paranteau and Konepka. Not that we spent alot of money granted. Not my point. Those players get us nowhere closer to the playoffs Snow claims we are heading.
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WHERE R U CB?!?! I’m dying for that “tidbit”!!!….j/k! I hope the move is going well
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Wang is all about winning,but it has to be his way or usually nothing; the LH thing is on backburner this weekend, just get KOVY!
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If they sign him i will buy tickets. i live in jersey but i go to a few games a year but i will buy a season ticket plan.
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Despite reservations I have about Kovi buying into the system/defensive play and the length of the contract as reported, AT THIS POINT, WANG AND SNOW HAVE TO GET HIM! I DON’T KNOW IF ISLES FANS CAN TAKE ANOTHER KICK TO THE GROIN.
Hopefully Botta was just joking about the introductory press conference having Yashin there. We don’t need his stank anywhere near the franchise again. He was a disgrace when he was here and the team still gets made fun of for the long mega money contract they gave that Russian and had to buy him out because he was so lazy and didn’t care about anything but money. So having him there when you give another Russian and even bigger and longer deal might open the organization up to some criticism and jokes they do not need. Also, last I heard Carol Alt was very upset with Yashin for the way he treated her at the end.
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islesfanintheUK says:
The longer this takes the more it is killing me. I woke up this morning seeing this on CB’s site and I have been on this site for most of the day waiting for news. I just want to see that Kovy signed with the Isles soon have some beers and have a great night. Please please let it happen soon. By the way thanks CB for all the Isles info that keeps us Isles fans going.
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I just don’t see how this could be camp Kovy hyping their client. The Islanders confirmed that they are talking. If it was hype, they could have squashed it yesterday. What would the Islanders have to gain by playing along? Sure, New Jersey is in the mix but they can only afford $7.5M and even that would require them to drop salary before opening day. Why would we give a sh*t about driving up LA’s offer? The other side of the argument is that Kovy already had turned down $100M to stay in Atlanta. You would think that means that while money is a factor, the guy wants to win too. The Islanders have done a good job at the beginning of their rebuilding process but they haven’t done enough to convince a superstar like Kovy that their committed to winning while he’s still in his prime. A ten year deal puts him in his mid/upper thirties his next opportunity to as an UFA which would limit his chance to sign with a contender if god forbid, the Islanders don’t win the cup during his tenure. I don’t know what to think because nothing makes since. All the major media and information guru’s are all quoting each other and nobody has any real updates. Worst of all that during the holiday weekend, this is all likely to carry over until Monday. I wish the Islanders front office would come forward and offer more information than making calls for “due dilligance”.
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Mario – Same deal with me…live in CT. Attend a few games a year. If they land Kovalchuk, will pursue a season tix plan.
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Happy B’day Hyedray, May all your wishes come true! This could be the first year I set off some fireworks! Back to Kovie and his girlfriend liking beaaches in L.A, for 100 mil she could buy her own beach anywhere she wants! She could even buy their own island, because hey, we are all Islanders!—-oh boy, I may be getting slightly delirious!
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Why are people bothered by Jurcina and Eaton signings? To me they step in our D depth chart right after Streit and Hillen.
Streit, Hillen, (Martinek), Eaton, Meyers, Jurcina, MacDonald, Kohn, Reese, Gervais.
Martinek is in parentheses for obvious reasons.
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Bill Scanlon says:
I hear the Islanders are offering development rights to 70 acres in uniondale.
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ed says:
Drafting the Russian Kids and now going after Kovie makes me wonder if Wang is becoming partners with the Russian guy that bought the Nets
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Always a Bridesmaid Never a Bride says:
If its true that Kovie was offered 10 mill per for 10 years from the Isles and he didnt accept it immediately then I doubt he’ll accept it any time. If 100 Million dollar is sitting on the table and he’s still thinking about it, well obviously he doesnt want to come here. So what is new.
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I think the Eaton deal was good. I’m on the fence about Jurcina. I love his Gordon/Providence roots as well as his size though I’ve heard he doesn’t use it as he should. I would still love to see us add one more quality defenseman, even if it is simply re-signing Meyer. On the subject of Defenseman, I for one assumed that we would be buying him out. Wouldn’t you think that out of respect we would have done it sooner rather than later so he has time to find a new home. We aren’t going to burn an extra $1M to let him rot in the minors so is the plan for him to be part of the club after all?
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While the Kovi news is very exciting please let us not forget the teams biggest need for years have been 2-3 big tough, physical skilled d-men. If Travis Hamonic makes the team they’ll have 1, Jurcina and Eaton do not bring any of that. I youtubed them both last night and read all the scouting reports neither play physical as Botta pointed out. There are several videos of Eaton are entitled “Eaton gets blown up” or “Eaton gets destroyed” not the same video he gets caught a lot.
So get Kovi but then go get 2 of the type of dmen we need. Then they defense can be,
Streit, Hamonic, Hillen, Jurcina, new guy, new guy, Eaton. -
I gotta believe this is Wang and Snow going all-in against TOH and Kate Murray – if it doesn’t happen then he can stack this along with the failure to land Hamhuis and Martin in spite of having the best offer as soapboxes for how TOH is impeding the progress of the team acquiring top talent.
You can’t tell me about how top free agents -only- want to go to winning teams. How many times in the late 90s/early 2000s did the Rangers grab top dollar players despite fielding awful teams? Or how did the Blackhawks nab Brian Campbell or Khabibulin when they were still awful? This must therefore be about either direction of the team/organization or its about perception of the facilities which plays perfectly into the Wang’s hand against TOH.
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sean on Jul 3rd, 2010 14:13:21 said:
Kate Murray lied again it’s July and no proposal yet.well we all knew that..shes a joke along with nassau county, wang and snow.
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paul meade says:
sign him for 8.5 for 8 years. this way staying away from stigma of 10 yeats and 100 m. If he doesnt’ take it spend money on Bobby Ryan for 6 years 33 million. Still allows for money down the road for others
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#502 Dregger hasnt posted anything new since last night…where did you see that?
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Just a note to those worried about the cap implications. Crosby and Malkin have a cap hit of $8.7 million EACH. There’s room for more than one big contract.
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Is this ever going to get done?
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What could Kovy possibly be holding out for???
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fsanford says:
517 he posted on his Twitter this morning Los Angeles still the favorites based on what he is hearing
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521 doesnt mean anthing in free agency talks-if wfan reporting it it must be 5-50-at least as we ca see crazt things can happen.
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Yabba DabbaDooDoo says:
In poker, players look for an opponent’s “tell” – that seemingly innocuous quirk, or tick, that betrays an internal dialog.
Here’s the tell: Snow revealed his hand to the media – no legit player would do so.
Wang’s playin’ fans, again.
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isles6 says:
When it is done, I will chew on it, until then…just rumors.
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theres only so many times i can refresh..2 hours have gone by since any news..give me something here.
fwiw, i cant remember the last time wfan reported something and it didnt happen..theyre usually one of the last to report on things it seems
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Yabba DabbaDooDoo….I just want to know, how has Wang “played us”? Please be specific. I’m not trying to pick a fight or defend Wang. I’d just like to know what he’s done, in your opinion to make you feel like you’ve been played.
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dano says:
anyone else getting that feeling like it aint gonna happen, taking to long, dont like it one bit
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anyone else getting that feeling like it aint gonna happen, taking to long, dont like it one bit. Come on SNOWY MAKE IT HAPPEN
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Barney Stinson says:
It’s a beautiful Saturday on the 4th of July weekend, so this may not be everyone’s priority.
Unfortunate for me as I’m at work all day pressing F5.
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barry says:
Remember last year CB, when you told us that this summer (2009)wasn’t going to be the time for the Isles, but perhaps next summer? Something about the timing isn’t right etc, etc.
Well what’s going to be the excuse if nothing happens this year or perhaps next season? When is enough enough? What will be the breaking point?
Of course if Kovalchuk does sign this will be a moot point but seriously this is really BEYOND FRUSTRATING.
One has to believe a couple of things are going on right now…
1. Kovalchuk and agent are using us to get the Devils or Kings to give him what he wants.
or
2. The Isles are putting the finishing touches on the deal and it won’t be announced until monday/tuesday.
I believe in number 1.
Barry
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If anything does happen … it may not be for a few days…. If I’m Kovy … I’d want to fly to LI & LA, and kinda see the options in person.
I know he’s been to both places for years … but to actually see the areas to live at … That is what I’d do.
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garth has to know he cant let this stretch until monday or tuesday. Remember the uproar about how long it took to get Geurin traded? and that was GEURIN for crying out loud
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let’s sign him. go snowy. nice job chris. i have faith.
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This is torture. What’s the hold up?
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Just checking in from the riding mower for Refresh #50! I am glad the discussion has slowly changed from making it to the Cap Floor to the Cap of the future. That is progress of a sort.
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Brian G says:
This is the team blowing smoke at the fans…this is BS
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Spartiarti RVC says:
No way we are getting kovalchuk no do I want him if we going to sign him for 10 yrs. Didn’t we learn from yashin and dp already.
I think snow just driving him up so devils overpay for him. Since they prob stole volchenkov from us
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If this happens would they even announce it on a holiday weekend?
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shlo says:
Do not do it. “REMEMBER YASHIN”
He’ll take the money and do nothing. If the total of 10 mil is part in incentives than OK otherwise, forget it.
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Congratlations on the house CB. Please give us an update..going nuts over here….
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i read he was on the verge of resigning with the devils really hope it is not true
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IslesFaminFlorida says:
Its funy the update is stated as 445 and my clock read 439pm when i read it, R u in the future CB, PLEASE TELL US WE WILL SIGN KOVO!!!
LETS GO ISLANDERS
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MD says:
Well… since over 500 people chimed in, I will too.
I’ve been following while working the NASCAR race in Daytona. First off… thanks so much to Chris for the coverage. It’s definitely the best and us fans are lucky.About Kovy… jeez what Islander fan wouldn’t want him? People stop compairing things to failures. If you compare every decision to a past failure, you’ll never move forward.
With that said, as a LONGTIME Islander fam, I am very excited about this. I was thinking we’d be a possible playoff contender this year. With the young talent we have, the depth we’ve already added and a star like Kovy… I’d put some money on it and a very bright future on the Isle!
-MD
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Patiently waiting for some good news. We sign Kovy…..that makes my entire summer.
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My birthday is tuesday, this would be a GREAT present
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I question why it would take so long for the Islanders to place a solid offer on the table. Either the numbers work or they don’t. If the they really were looking at Kovy on July 1, they know the money is there or they dont. They realize if they offer similar money to the Kings and Devils that he will go elsewhere. They have to trump the other teams by some margin. With all the rumors surrounding the situation, it seems they are stalling for some reason. What for?
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Blog updated posted at 4:45…CB
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I think we are not going to get Kovalchuk, and Wang/Snow will make a direct link to that failure to the lack of counter plan by Murray
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Hey, Barry – post#527: Wasn’t Kovalchuk camp that spoke to the media.
So, who’s zoomin’ who?
Eric – post#524: How has Wang manipulated Isles fans? Let me count the ways…
Specifically: Why supposedly target the biggest free-agent catch, when they (Snow) themselves, just 2 days ago, were complaining openly of tier-2 players unwillingness to play on LI?
Why keep the Organization at the Cap Floor for years, under the pretense of waiting for resolution on a land development proposal, and then suddenly move to the forefront in negotiations for what would possibly be the most lucrative player contract in the NHL? What, Charlie found an extra 100 Mill under the sofa cushions?
This is a most cynical maneuver… a feigned attempt at relevance… a ruse to gain an unearned credibility… posturing to appease a weary fan base while pursuing other agendas.
And he’s doing this on the 4th of July! It’s, it’s, UN-American!
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Brooks says:
Why can’t we accept the reality here? Snow, thwarted in an attempt to get some solid blueliners, also looked into Kovy, and when things started going wrong there, he became a player. Wang embraced it as a way to get things moving across the board. Kovy’s now weighing offers and situations, because whatever he does decide, he’s going to have to live with it. If you were in his shoes, you might want to take some time to make the same decision. And why would Snow or Wang play games, given what would happen to their credibility if they were found out?
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This is like Lebron and the Knicks. A not so stellar team, but in the process of getting better, but can get paid. but he also has the option to go to a better team and get paid less, but can win sooner.
It’s just the isles involvement was just unexpected. It’s really on Kovy to decide what he wants. Still don’t think it happens. He walked away from a lot of money in ATL. We’ll see.
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#552, All Wang has wanted for the past 5+ years is a clear cut answer from the TOH on the Lighthouse project. The TOH and KM have NOT given any answer. Wang has gone record as saying “give me an asnwer, a no answer is NOt a bad thing.” Yet the TOH has kept quiet. This potential signing of IK may force the TOH to finally commit or say NO. Either way Wang and the Islanders get their answer. Yes= stay in LI and the Lighthouse is a done thing, NO= Wang and the Isles plan their next move to Queens with or without IK. Politics at its best, IMO!
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550, If they were willing to overpay for Hamhuis and Martin, you can bet your bottom dollar they’re doing it for Kovy.
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man i am glad i just re-upped. this is CRAZY ISHT! hows ya nuuuuurves?! Ilya Kovalchuk an Islander?! come on now…
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CB any timetable on a decision either way?
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91NYFan91 says:
I doubt he is going to sign with the Isles..Its taking too long..Way too much money in my opinion but he is nasty when he has the puck..I rather put some money on Bobby Ryan I think its safer.
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nino says:
even if kings or devils get him there is a chance that he is dealt to the islanders at the trade deadline
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i’d like to go on record as ALWAYS IN SUPPORT OF CHARLES WANG. anyone who questioned his motives WAS/IS WRONG. saying he was only in with the Isles for the property/realty opportunities. that hockey book for dummies he had wehn he first became Isles owner worked i guess.
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CB Congrats on your move! like you need the extra stress of a possible kovalchuk signing!
This is so exciting, nothing like Islanders drama in July. -
552 its not 100 million its 10 million a year and in 10 year’s cap goes up 1-2 million a year his contract is paid up so u have too spend that is the cap, have a brew
and be happy it isn’t yours or my money so
why r u getting mad -
Jerry Had a Little Lamb says:
From Katie Strang –
Although I’m sure many of you are riled up (and rightly so) from Friday’s late-night reports on the Islanders interest in highly-coveted free agent Ilya Kovalchuk, there appears to be no progress on that front today.
After checking in with different sources since this morning, I don’t expect anything to happen today.,,,maybe not even tomorrow.
“I’m not going to repeat this every day,” general manager Garth Snow said when reached by telephone. “I’ve had a coversation with his agent and I’ll leave it at that.”
Translation? Don’t go canceling your 4th of July BBQ’s to hang by your computers….
If that changes, however, I promise to report back with an update ASAP.
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#552 — you keep the organization at the cap floor because there would have been little point to spend a bunch of money on a team that was so fundamentally awful that it made little difference who they signed. I think with Tavares, Bailey, a rising Okposo, Hamonic/DeHaan on the way, they have decided that now it DOES make sense to spend some money, where a decision like that a few years ago would have been pointless. And how many talents the level of Kovalchuk have been out there since Ryan Smyth left? There was simply no point to spending money during the ’08 and’09 free agent seasons. There is now. (Remember, in ’07 they were ready to spend a pile…on Smyth. So it’s really been only two consecutive years, before this year, that they sat on the sidelines).
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Wishing CB and all of you a Wonderful 4th.. Stepping away for a bit..
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Tom says:
Hey CB what time will we know when Islanders get KOvy
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From Garth and Katies statements I no longer think Isles will land Kovalchuk, its all a mirage to force the Lighthouse issue and blame Murray directly for the teams failure to attract UFA’s
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Snow has such a creepy personality.
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anybody now when Or if what time Islanders getting Kovy
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if kovi deal dies that means we are still 9 million under cap i see mr.snow going for frolov for 5million then 1 for asham and 3.5 to 4 for sutton then we can bang in the east
or if no sutton them 2 million for maxim afginikov -
jeff says:
I’ve figured out the holdup. Yashin got a 10-year contract and DP got 15. Kovy is holding out for 20!
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Jerry-
That sounds pretty definitive to me. Kovy is in no rush to get this thing decided. In the case that the islanders do have an offer on the table, Kovy will bide his time in order to let other teams counter. More importantly, if the isles have an offer on the table, it appears he isn’t too interested, letting that kinda money sitting on the table. In the more likely scenario that we have not put a firm offer to kovy, this is actually a better situation for the isles. Since there is def some form of offers down from the kings and devils, it means he is waiting to hear what the isles have to say. Unfortunately, this won’t be decided until monday or tuesday.
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GGC says:
That’s all fine and dandy, but give us more substance!
I feel like we’ve been lead on a string for the past 18 odd hours, but my guess is that there isn’t much news to report on (sigh).
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CB-take a brake go grill some hockey pucks and dogs and enjoy your 4th. Thanks for the work you do in this blog. To all my fellow Islander fans enjoy the 4th.
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I am supposed to go away Monday and Tuesday – get this thing done – so that i dont have to spend my trip hitting refresh on IPB!
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i really like wang but i think he’s lost if he thinks signing him will make john candy’s twin easier to work with or get concessions… she will have no idea who he is and won’t care. it’s all about d’amato and his brother and corruption. i just don’t see how signing him will help. it’s not like they’re in a real city. if it were nyc or Pittsburgh yes it could make a difference. no one at the TOH cares except maybe that one lawyer guy.
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Thank you CB for your work here on this blog. Its been an interesting 12hrs or so. I guess we will all find out in the next few days. Happy 4th everyone.
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Just bought my scrimmage tickets for next Saturday nite!
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Brett says:
Well, there’ve been some high points, there’ve been some low points; but the Isles have always found a way to make it a wild ride. Doesn’t look like that’s changing anytime soon.
I’m excited at the prospect of having Kovy on the team, and weary of the terms of the rumored deal. But what worries me the most is that this move is not a part of “the plan.” I would feel more comfortable knowing that this is what Snow thought was best.
Thanks for the hard work CB, and enjoy the new home.
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Shremp Co 13 says:
If this deal does not fall through, isles will prob throw an offer sheet at Bobby Ryan or Sign Frolov + some other foward.
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GD says:
After checking in with different sources since this morning, I don’t expect anything to happen today.,,,maybe not even tomorrow.
“I’m not going to repeat this every day,” general manager Garth Snow said when reached by telephone. “I’ve had a coversation with his agent and I’ll leave it at that.”
Per Katie
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Jerry please keep posting the Newday articles, nice to read it all.
Botta Bing, why would the Isles not have their full offer on the table already? That is curious. From articles I have read on LA’s and NJ’s respective offers if the Isles numbers are accurate it more then blows them out of the water. If that offer is presented then Kovi couldn’t help but jump at it.
All of you getting to go to the scrimmage are so lucky! To get to see Petrov, JJ, Martin, Kabonov, Neidemeitter, Hamonic etc etc is going to be awesome for you guys. Please take lots of video and post on youtube.
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Don’t get too excited about Kovi coming to N.Y, I hear the rags are now very interested. Can you believe those slime buckets? Where is the salary cap police???? I do believe the Isles are making a solid offer, why else would Kovi be taking so much time to sign? Any other team, it is in black and white already. Whatever happens (except the rags getting him) is fine with me. Like I said before, I want players to come here wanting to make a difference, not taking big money so they could sit back and relax. GOOD LUCK ISLES!!!
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A couple of quick thoughts:
Atlanta offered Kovalchuk $101 million over 12 years – an average of $8.4 mil annually.
The LA Times (Helene Elliott) article about our offer to Kovy also mentioned that while the Kings were focused on him, they lost out on the FA defensemen they had targeted. So we obviously weren’t the only ones to come up empty-handed.
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Botta, did you move out of Nassau because of the LH traffic? !!! Ha,Ha!
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streit02 says:
why cant kovalchuk be part of the plan? Hes only 27 years old. Is it because he is too good? An opportunity to get a player of this caliber at his age is very rare. If your the Isles you take full advantage and do what you can to get it done
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Blue&Orange says:
תביא קובלצ׳וק לנו, גארת׳
Let’s go Islanders!!!
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The longer it takes to sign him= chances get worse of him comming here! SORRy TO SAY!
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brogers says:
I’ve seen the Rangers rumor elsewhere and I think it’s BS. They have just under $8mil in cap space and still have to sign two D. And next year (after this coming season) they’ll have 3 UFAs (including Prospal) and 5 RFAs (including Callahan) to deal with. They would have to clear a lot of room to make that happen…
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Was’nt able to post yesterday but I have to say I don’t like the Eaton signing at all. We need big physical D’s.
Eaton had 27 hits last season in 79 games. 27!!!!
Only two defencemen played at least 50 games and had less hits…
Tobias Enstrom, a diminutive offensive D that had 50pts and Tom “egg shells” Poti.
And we had to give him the second year at 2.5mil? Ugh…
If Sutton signs a comprable deal it will only make this contract more of a joke.
I’d have preferred they just keep Meyer.
The only positive I can think of is he’s another body that should keep Hamonic in Bridgeport. -
Steve M says:
Well, we just have to hope for the best now! Hopefully Snow is bluffing and is doing more than just “I had a conversation with his manager.” If it is more than that…well then we have a better shot. With me being a skeptic, I see him going to LA. Keep your fingers and toes crossed my fellow Isles.
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Why can’t it be that the longer he doesn’t sign a deal with LA then the less likely it will be that he’ll sign with LA?
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pritchett54 says:
I am kinda torn on whether i want kovy or not. I am content with the slow steady rebuild. I dont know if we are asking for trouble by adding a player who is going to making such a high percentage of our overall cap.
I think Kovalchuk is one of the top 5 goal scorers in the game and we could certainly use that. My concern isnt necessarily with the amount of money per season as opposed to the number of seasons total. I am fine with a 6 year deal. I dont understand why players are getting 10-12-15 year deals. It is stupidity.
If we could get him for 6 years 60M i would be thrilled. -
The worst part about this is coming into july 1st i never even thought we would go after him but now that we have if we dont get him i will be very upset
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also the best line name since i have seen likt three of them is Tavares Kovi and Okposo or the TKO line
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594-Because were the Islanders lol
593-I hope he hasn’t put down a solid offer of $100 mil because if he did and he hasn’t signed it, he’s never signing it. I just don’t get the deal being finalized reports. -
#595 prichette. Your content with the SSSSLLLOOOOWWW &&&&& SSSTTTTEEEAAADDDYYYYY RRRRRRRREEEEEEBBBBBBUUUUUIIIILLLLLDDDDDD. Well thats wonderful for you. Judging by the attendance at NVMC you are in a very small minority
You think Kovie is a top 5 scorer? Do you think the world is round also? He is.
If we could get him for 6 years and 60 Million do you think Snow would offer him 10 years at 100 million. Daaaaaa! -
When we traded for yashin and signed him to an outlandish deal, no one, NO ONE thought it was a bad deal for us. So we gave up Chara, the #2 pick and bill muckalt. Yashin was a top 10 player and a guy coming off a 90 point season. Needless to say, 3 years later, everyone was up in arms that Wang/Milbury had given this guy such a long and big contract. People complain about it to this day and it is still on the books.
Sometimes, patience is a virtue.
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Kobe. Kovi. July 1st free agency.
Knicks dump salaray for two years. Isles throw their hat in at the last minute, much to the surprise of many, including our very own CB who tried to keep us from getting our hopes up many times.
Ahh.. This is why you gotta love sports. And irony.
Kobe. Kovi. Reminds me of Letterman’s monologue from the Oscars a while back.
I definitely need some time away from this computer.
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I don’t see this Kovy think happening as much as I hope it does. Just seems strange for him to leave Atlanta and then sign with the Isles. Let’s not get our hopes up.
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OMA (oh my Arbour) #553, that was the absolute funniest quote of the day. An Aretha Franklin quote while talking about a Russian phenom coming to Uniondale, NY?…You can’t get any better than that.
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Dinerboss on Jul 3rd, 2010 19:23:35 said:
The longer it takes to sign him= chances get worse of him comming here! SORRy TO SAY!Yes, very true, he should have signed already..who turns away 100 mill contract.
If the snow blower even offered that -
Garth was just on NHL Radio … All this 10 Year @ $10M is a bunch of bull .. you know what… When he called Grossman, all he wanted to know is if Kovalchuk would be interested in playing with the Islanders … The answer was obviously positive … So Garth and Charles are putting together a contract. No numbers have been put out in the public. So where those numbers came from are all speculation. As CB said … ONLY 3 people know what if anything is being offered. Charles, Garth and Cap # Cruncher.
Can we hit reset on this story, and start from the top. Simply put as I see it … Garth / Charles decided to make a move on Kovy after being shut out in the B+ Defenseman sweepstakes… and figured .. “Throw Caution to the Wind.” …
Garth – Hey, Jay. It’s Garth … Would Kovy have interest in playing for us?
Jay – Let me give him a ringy ding ding.
minutes later …Jay – Hey Garth, Kovy said come up with an offer … He’s not in a rush … so enjoy your holiday weekend.
Garth – Sure thing, We’ll work on something for you guys to chew on. Talk to you maybe on Monday.
Jay – You got it. Tell Charles I said hi.
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601, thanks for the update. I never did believe the contract offer and the fact that Garth said all he did was call the agent now makes more sense. Hopefully we sign him but not for 10yrs.
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TurgeonFan77132 (Matt) says:
Anyone know what the Kings and Devils have put out as an offer to Kovy? It’d be a dam shame if LA (hypothetically) gave the same offer to Kovy and he signs with them all because he wants to go to a team who made the playoffs last year and doesn’t want to be a contributor to a talented, albeit rebuilding team. Thanks to the TOH for playing the “beat around the bush” card of the LHP. I know for a fact Murray did this on purpose to see if Wang would finally fold his hand. Stupid people over there…don’t they realize how much taxable income, profit, jobs, housing, and other opportunities will come from this?!?!?!?!?!?
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Let’s Go Ilyanders!
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Chris, is there an offer or no offer? You are a very well connected man. How is it that the Islanders have their ENTIRE fanbase on a looney ride, and now reports are that Garth didn’t even give an offer yet?
How much crazier can this get? Don’t you have any solid sources who can tell you what the hell is going on?
This is not fair. Not one bit. If the Isles have no intention on ever getting seirous, for them to not say anything at this point is going to result in a catastrophe of sorts.
Snow is setting himself up for a very big problem if he doesn’t attack the rumors at their head, and asap.
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ODG says:
Dredger on a tweet quotes LeBrun who received a text from LA GM Lombardi that everthing is quiet and this thing might drag on to monday.
Get it done Garth!
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Strong Island…the island of surprises! haha that commercial always made me laugh. theres three choices if youre Kovalchuck…
1) Sign with a consistent contender (New Jersey) for less money and fewer years but have decent chance to win cup sooner rather than later.
2)Sign with a promising young team thats already playoff calibre(Los Angeles) for a little more money and a couple more years in a good location…though not a major hockey market. Still have legitimate shot at winning cup.
3) Sign with the team that seems to value you mo$t, offering a blockbuster deal. Its an unproven team with lots of untapped potential that will get better every year.So fellas, help me out here…which one do you take…1,2 or 3? lemme kno
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win a cup with new jersey who can’t score and goalie is done we will win a cup before n.j. guarantee it bro and la lost platers and they wan;t gagne 3 all the way
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Darren Ingersoll says:
I think the Isle should go for it. We have to know that nothing less than 10 & 100 gets it done, so we cannot say yes to him but less money and less time. If we want him and he will come it will be at that price and period.
I can live with that as it only puts us at the cap floor, with ~15k to go the cap ceiling. Snow and the Co will have to consider the impact down the road, but Okposo and Bailey are wait and see, Ilya is now and still very young. -
i just got off of the nhl.com blog on kovy. ABSOLUTELY no respect for the isles and their fans. i really hope our prospects turn out great so we can get some respect. its sickening
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goislesgo105 says:
I REALLY, REALLY hope that the Isles sign Kovi. We still would need a second line center and a bone crushing top 4 D-man.
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#608 You HAVE to copy-write that!
“We’re all Ilyanders” -
#600 pritchett54 – I thought it was a terrible decision to trade for Yashin. The year the Islanders traded for Yashin, Bill Geurin was a free agent. The Isles could have over paid for Geurin, say 6 years $36 million, and saved $45 million. They would also still have a 6′ 9″ defenseman and the 2nd pick in the draft (Jason Spezza). Instead we just had Yashin and his bad contract. Good old Milbury. Free agency is the best way to add an elite player.
BTW – Kovalchuk is 100 times the player Yashin ever was. Getting a 27 year old superstar without having to give up young talent and high draft picks doesn’t happen too often. Make it happen Mr. Wang!!
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Chris in DC says:
Isles absolutely get no respect; I guess a number of losing seasons will do that, but I am very tired of it, so I’m hoping this signing gets done and shuts the critics up. Would love to see Ilya flanking Tavares. Would love to sink the hearts of LA, NJ and whoever else is in the mix. Snow and Wang will have to do a hell of a convincing job with this guy, esp after he spent so much time in a losing environment in Atlanta. If they’re able to, it would be a huge coup and I would kiss the ground Isles management walks on. I hope it’s a Happy Fourth tomorrow…
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okay, how bout this? and if someone already came up with this madness, sorry i missed it.
charles wang decided he wants in on atlantic yards in brooklyn. mikhail prokhorov told him, “okay you want in? bring my boy kovalchuk with you and you’re in.”
at this point i’m a raving madman, but stranger things have happened. -
Dreger last Blog –
RT @Real_ESPNLeBrun: Kings GM Dean Lombardi via email tells ESPN.com “all quiet.” Sounds like the Kovalchuk drama might resume Monday but one never knows
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Quez says:
For all of the eternally optimstic Isles fans, this is what we need. Now is the time. Signing Kovi would create a point in time where you could go back and say,”that is the defining moment…where the NYI gained respectability, and really started the franchise moving forward.” If we have to grossly overpay, so be it. It’s not my money. He is the last of the elite scorers that isnt locked in to a long term deal. We have to pounce now. Get this done.We need it.
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If the Islanders are able to drive up the price that Lou is willing to pay for Kovalchuk, wouldn’t that pretty much garentee that Parise would bu a UFA next season. Minni would drive hard at him but so could we.
Bring a player like Kovalchuk in, wouldn’t we have to play him with Bailey & Tavares aka a set up man and someone to pop in all the lose ends. Then Okposo with Shremp and Moulson would be matched against a 2nd set D pairing, and maybe Kyle could put up more than 60 points. Adding him would make other players around him better. -
Islebethere4u says:
I take it back, pretty good second day. Now if any of this is true, it would be nice to see frolov and kovy here on the island. Get Sutton on the cheap and you have a decent D with some serious fire power up front. That should not only get you in the playoffs, but at least a round or two past the first. IMHO.
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I, too, am tired of the lack of respect the Isles get. I’m reaching the point of hoping that we land Kovy just to quiet the opposing fans and media claiming that he would never sign with us. Unfortunately, if he signs with us, the same opposing fans and media will most certainly spin the signing as grist for their lack-of-respect mill. The only solution is to start winning. As it should be.
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2,700 comments in three threads in 2+ days….who said Islander fans didn’t care????
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I’m not against getting Kovy … I’m not all together crazy about committing $100M as has been wrongly speculated I might add.
Garth and Charles are crafting up a proposal … Nothing has been officially offered as per Garth on NHL Radio.
I just want to manage my expectations, that even if Garth wins in the Kovy Sweepstakes, that we all don’t expect the Isles to make the playoffs and push in a few rounds.
What did Kovy do for Atlanta? They even had Heatley at one time with Kovy. Kovy hasn’t proven he can put a team on his back and carry them yet. He may not have to if the Isles’ youth core fulfill their promise… I’m just saying.
Kovy will put Long Island back on the NHL map … but if Garth loses out after bidding more … it becomes another kick in the groin of the country.
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Wow! Talk about keeeping fans in suspense! I guess this is going to take a while.
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G, thanks for an update.
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imetbossy says:
we are missing the point here …how WANG is using all of us as leverage to build his project. Even to create all of this drama just to make news and shake trees … This is so mickey mouse its pathetic… time and time again …
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Just glanced at an article in the Toronto Sun that said if Ilya signs with the Isles they’re calling him a “Rich loser” & if the Isles give him a Yashin type deal they’re “Idiots”. What jealous jerk offs.
I’ll say this if Garth gets this deal done I have no doubt the Isles will be a force & Ilya will shut the critics up by the end of the season. With him on the team not only can I see them making the playoffs, but I can seriously see them going as far as the finals.
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To think all of this is over a phone call. Either we are extremely pathetic, or we were led on.
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I may be the only one on this website that will say this but I say don’t sign Kovalchuk. I say trade for Simon Gagne. I wrote earlier that Philadelphia will have salary cap issues and they have recently asked him to waive his no trade clause. At about 5 million per year and one year left on his contract its the perfect addition. 10 million for Kovalchuk. I think not. Ovechkin, Crosby, and Sedin don’t come close to that amount. Kovalchuk is Ovechkin or Crosby. Plus this will throw the amount we have to pay Tavares down the road. Don’t make the mistake Garth just to appease certain fans. I would love to have Kovalchuk for 7 million a year but not 10. If you trade for Gagne you get a legit 30 goal man at half the price and not throw everything out of whack for the future.
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mike says:
it feels like a bust
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steve says:
that ownership once agin offered more money to free agents who went elsewhere, for less! what else do you want these guys to do? now they are throwing MAD money at Kovy. i may not agree with this action, but how can you be critical of ownership and the GM? they can’t rebuild the arena, but they are working to put a superior, long term, winning product on the ice, while risking losing tens of millions.
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This cap cruncher job sounds pretty sweet. Where do I sign up? It’s not like the NHL cap rules are anything like the IRS code. Give me the terms of everyone’s contract and any recent buyouts and salary assumptions from trades and I will have a number for you in 5 minutes. Frankly, with the Islanders present situation, the Isles would almost have to give him a max contract just to get to the cap floor!!!
This deal works in so many ways. First, players like this rarely hit the market in the NHL and I cannot see another one on the radar anytime soon. LA has a monstrous travel schedule that Kovy may rather not like to have. And for all of Lou Lamariello’s magic, Martin Brodeur will not be in goal forever. He is one of the few goalies in the league that can carry a team year in and year out, especially considering the Devils’ modest offense. Will Johan Hedberg ever hoist the Cup in NJ? As for NY, you have the massive Russian community which is where I believe his family is already living. More money, more family, less travel…ding, ding, ding, we have a winner, in many more ways than one.
An really people, I know I am posting late and all too, but this Internet, IM, Twitter crap really screws with reality. Is it really that important to know everything that everybody is doing all the time? I thought that was called Communism? Ironic, you want Communism back just so you can know now if we landed a former Communist…. (This is what happens when you stay up to late reading to many blogs, the mind gets soft…)
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Give kovie a very decent offer. He does not want it? then we do not want him. turn your priority to Gagne or offer sheet for B. Ryan or even Stall! Is he signed yet? I love this team, but they have to stop acting like they are the victims. If you are offering top dollar and they don’t want it, screw them. All that tells me is that they do not have confidence in their own abilities to help a team get to the next level. I don’t want any player like that on my team, never mind one that makes $100. mil!!! Good Job Garth, but let’s get tougher with these idiots. We only want guys who want to play here!
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If we get Kovy,he puts us on the map (relevant),and probably a playoff team! It’s a win win, if we don’t get him it’s ok as we’ll procede with the rebuilding process.And I’m sure snow has something up his sleave as far as making a trade for a top player from a team that has or will have cap issues. P.S if we don’t get kovy at least we can help drive up the price for him so they can over payfor his services.Heck he screws us we screw them!
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everyone who says we cant afford him is crazy look at the cap worst case we need to dump bailey and as much as i like him hes not kovi tavares n okposo will be here if htey want to be we have alot of money to spend n if you look at next years free agent class kovi would still be the best player so this is the time n player we need to invest in
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ISLES FAN01 says:
Isles are building a serious stanley cup contender for years to come. With this yeas picks of Nieterieter, Nelson and Kavbanov, plus the arrival of Kiril Petrov added to current young forward. Kabanov will be the steal of the draft.
They added size and toughness to the defense with recent FA singings, plus possibly adding De Hann and Harmonic.
They have three excellent goaltending prospects in the wings with Koskinen, Nilson and Poulin.
Adding a 27 year old Kovlachuck will greatley accelerate that process.
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Isles fowards talent blow away what the Devils have, especially after this draft. Yes the devels have Parise, bigger defenseman and Broduer. However, Isles have added size and Broduer is getting near the end of his career.
Isles have more young talent than LA and the Devils. END OF STORY.
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who’s the source that blabbed 10m x 10 seasons ?
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I have been saying for a while that we should make a run for him. I just cant shake this awful feeling in my stomach that this is a PR stunt by Wang and Snow. They can look back and say “look fans, we tried” – and you know what, maybe they did. But fool me once, shame on you…you know the rest. LOL
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In the Post this a.m., Larry Brooks (as usual) dropped a huge plop of crap on the Isles. He’s basically calling the Kovy stuff Isles created B.S., while sarcastically allowing for the potential of it being true. Hope he’s wrong, think he’s wrong, since too much at stake for Isles to play games like (you would think). If he’s right, the Isles will fall infinitely further down the credibility black hole they have been in for years.
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I really don’t see this as a PR stunt. There’s just too much at stake. I was really hoping to see some crazy picture of Kovy with an Isles sweater on this morning, but I guess it’ll wait until after the BBQs.
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Rob Burger says:
Kovalchuk could sign here and take the team to new levels. we as Islander fans though know the reality. Somehow, someway, we usually get screwed and a signing like this never happens. I hope an dpray that Wang and Snow make this happen.
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IslesAl says:
I think if Kovy was going to jump at the $100 mil, he would have already (or there would be some news/progress by now), or he would be in touch with Atlanta to revisit their offer, since they have plenty of cap space. If Kovy want to play for a winner, that team will need to clear cap space, unless its the Kings. Seems the Isles best bet is to be a trade partner with a team with cap issues who want to sign one of the remaining high priced UFAs.
Lets be realistic, does Kovy or another high priced UFA really want to make a team like the Isles their FIRST choice? We finished 26,30,26 the last 3 years, AND we have arena and stability of location issues.
The story broke about 36 hours ago, and since then, the only other UFA news is that up to 5 big trades need to happen before the next big wave of signings. Lets be realistic, if we are going to land an all star type player here, most likely we need to find an on the cheap trade with a team looking to trade salary. Problem with trading with Devils, we would want Zajac, they would want to trade Zubrus.
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589 You have to learn Hebrew before attempting to write something…..the Kovy issue will be a nice tease to the fans.
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This may sound a little bit crazy, and
I’m not sure if something like this is even permissible under the CBA, but if I were Kovalchuk, I would not sign with the Isles unless the contract included provisions that: A) required the Isles’ payroll to be at least 75% of the cap ceiling; and B)if the Isles fail A, allowed Kovi to sign with another team, but somehow kept the Isles on the hook for most of the cash.If that seems like a ridiculous precedent to set–well, we have certainly set a few bad ones before. But if you were Kovalchuck, is it naive to believe the Isles would spend $10 m on him to simply reach the floor without any real lasting commtiment to bolster the lineup beyond that?
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makela says:
Petov, Kabanov, and now Ilya. Anyone think that, if TOH or Queens blows Islanders off, Mr. Russian Billionaire may have interest with team down the block with russian superstar. Wang not dumb…
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Blizzard says:
….I do not believe this is a tease for the fans or a PR stunt. We know Snow made aggressive offers to top tier defensemen. Kovy is a unique talent and only 26. As Snow said he is doing his due diligence. As for Kovy and wanting to go to a winner. Well lets see what kind of player he really thinks he is. Because the best players make you a winner. They do not tag along. It can not be disputed that the Islanders are building something special here. Of course the Yashin deal still stings and I have heard people say that if we make this deal we will be repeating mistakes from the past. Possibly but Yashin was never as good as Kovy. Two very different players.
SO does Kovy want to come here for the money and help build this team into a contender or go to Tinsel town for less and a shot at winning sooner. Tough choice.
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Fair or not, intended or not….if Snow is unable to sign Ilya (or Gagne, etc) at this point it would be absolutely disastrous for this team and its fanbase. If the terms of the offer are not glaringly richer than any other this whole escapade will be rightfully seen as a pr stunt. If a huge contract is rejected then the hopelessness will return to our fans and it will haunt us in the future in terms of signing our own FA’s.
Snow cannot win if he doesn’t get this done. He has no choice but to offer the world and sign him. It would seem obvious now that the agent leaked the story to drive up LA’s offer…we have to eliminate any possibility of a competitive suitor…money talks. -
Aaron says:
So, there have been bits and pieces of these elements in a number of posts here but the salient issues are NOT financial: the Isles currently sit 7.5-9 mil UNDER the cap floor. Next year they will be – if nothing changes – nearly 13 mil under the floor. The floor. Not the ceiling.
Yashin and DP were different. Yashin was pre-cap era, DP is covered by insurance. If he was healthy, that contract would be a bargain.
As a hockey decision it is solid. He is a top 6 forward (actually a top 1
and we needed at least one this season. He will help the younger players have room and confidence. He is a one shot threat – somethiing the Islanders haven’t had Ziggy, and even more legitimately since Bossy. He can be anywhere on the ice and with one shot turn the game. You won’t need 2 minutes of cycling with him…I don’t know if we’ll get him – imho, it seems like a long shot. But a sound one too….
As a hockey decision
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why is it so hard to believe that Kovie would come to the isles for a 100 million instead of a contender.$$$$$$$ is that enough, Almost everybody takes the Money,I would, you would, stop kidding yourself. Now if he doesnt and flees elsewhere, well they overpaid for him and he is overrated. LOL. I hope we get him we need some relevance outside of this blog(no offense CB, your blog is the greatest)I dont care about the money because in 5 years it maybe considered cheap. Eventually if we keep signing players to huge contracts one is going to fulfill it.
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Rich A says:
# 643 Since when does Larry Brooks have any credibility?
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From Mark Everson, NY Post’s beat writer for the NJD:
“We still want Kovalchuk,” the Devils’ general manager said, in wake of reports that the Islanders have joined the Devils and Kings in bidding for arguably the best-ever unrestricted free agent.
The way I see it, if two of the best GMs in the league are aggressively pursuing this guy, I feel confident that he’s worth the gamble.
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I need to stop checking on this and go enjoy the 4th. Thats what we should all do- but its a lot easier said than done.
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Sorry ISLES FAN01, but the Isles do not have more young talent than the Kings.
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jislander7 says:
Islanders fans FA speculation is incredibly diluted. This team does not play by the same rules as everyone else. We either get castoffs or need to pay a ridiculous amount for our FA. Kovy gives them instant credibility. Kind of like what the Mets did with Pedro Martinez a few years ago. We become a viable FA destination if he signs on the dotted line. No more paying 2.5 mil for the likes of Mark Eaton.
Just remember this… If KO, JT, Bailey, Nino and the rest of these guys don’t turn into stars but instead nice 2nd line players (which is a good possibility) You don’t get the Chicago Blackhawks, you get the Florida Panthers. And the Panthers are now going through their 2nd rebuild because the 1st one didnt work out. Chicago needed to pay Hossa and Campbell to show everyone they are for real. We need to do the same thing.
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#651 says…. And the Panthers are now going through their 2nd rebuild because the 1st one didnt work out. Chicago needed to pay Hossa and Campbell to show everyone they are for real. We need to do the same thing.
Totally agree 100%
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I think the longer it plays out, the better for the Islanders. If you think about it, if Kovalchuk does decide to take the Isles offer, I’m sure his agent is going to want some provisions worked into the contract that call for certain milestones to be met by the team to chart progress; and if they’re not met then Ilya gets to demand a trade, etc. The Isles have been down for so long it’s just natural his agent is going to want certain assurances.
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SneakyPete77 says:
Risky move! We still have to pay yashin for a while and DiPietro for an eternity. My 2 year old daughter will be in junior high when we stop paying the #1 overall bust of all-time! Sickening! Can we afford a 3rd player screwing up our cap if Kovy doesn’t work out? Kovy will be 37 when the contract ends. Risky!
Or, do we stand pat and keep acquiring top 5 lottery picks. Even by adding Kovy, there is no way we are going to compete with Pitt, Philly, and some other eastern conf powerhouse. We are still not a playoff team and will fall in the top 5-7 worst teams.
I still think Garth missed the boat with the sleeper of the free agency. Matt Lombardi ended up in Nashville, that hotbed of hockey for 3 yrs 10 mill. This guy is fast centerman who can do it all and is just hitting his prime. Thought he would have been a nice fit here.
Guess Garth thinks he PA Parenteau is this years version of Matt Moulson? Could be. He is very muich like Moulson. Great hands/talent and lousy wheels.
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Chris in DC on Jul 4th, 2010 11:34:47 said:
I think the longer it plays out, the better for the Islanders.See now i disagree, because if he did’nt jump to that so called 10 for 10 bye now he’s not going to, IMO. If he’s going for the money, then whats he waiting for he’s not getting better than 10 for 10 i dont think.
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After all of this hype, the Isles will look ridiculous if they don’t get this done.
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Jeff on Jul 4th, 2010 11:41:43 said:
After all of this hype, the Isles will look ridiculous if they don’t get this done.they always look ridiculous when it comes to july 1
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I would think that Queens is also on Charles’ mind as well at this time when negotiating with Kovy. The Isles and Mets have been talking for awhile, and signing a superstar like Kovy may just push the Isles to Queens.
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oh yes we do mike from sarasota name any guys in the kings farm system that are high class like ours most of their guys are
on their team already us next year we will dominate -
People, I don’t think you should ever blame Snow or Wang for not trying. Not only did they attempt to sign Kovalchuk but they outbid every suitor for Hamhuis, Martin and Mihalek. Each one said they didn’t want to come because of the dreary arena. Yes, they also said they might have a better chance to win on other teams next year but that won’t be the case 2 years from now. If you were Wang would you want to lose millions year after year. Not one of you would! You get upset if you lose $20. No owner is going to make any money until a new arena is built. The real loser and villain here is Kate Murray and yet she is re-elected every election year. The only one to blame here is Murray and those of you that cast your ballot for her. Wang is willing to put his own money first, pay more in taxes every year to the town and employ more people in the area. Yes, he may make millions of dollars but he is also willing to lose millions with this project. Would you be willing to do that during this economic time. I think NOT. Think long and hard who the real villain and loser here is and think twice before you go off on Snow and Wang and before you cast your ballot next election.
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The fact that Kovy hasn’t signed yet is not bad news for Isles. Would you guys make a 5 to 10 year career decision in one day? Wouldn’t you want to think it through, evaluate the situation over a few days. I’m sure Kovy is studying the pros and cons of all offers and trying to decide what option is best for him and his family. Let’s face it, no matter where he goes he will have more money than he knows what to do with it. If I was Kovy, I would only feel comfortable going to Isles, if I believed in where the organization was heading. Base on Isles recent history, Snow & Co will have to make a fantastic presentation (most likely point to the sucess of the rebuild (JT, KO, Nino, etc…). I put the Isles chances at 20%, but hey at least I think we’re in the game.
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I liked Larry Brooks’ article. Both Snow and Wang have repeatedly shown a willingness to toss out red herrings designed to mislead the press and the public. It’s become impossible to take what they say publicly at face value, so skepticism is warranted, especially when there are puzzling aspects to the information that has been released.
My view is that many (Wang, Kovy’s agent) benefit from the Isles being players in this, apart from the potential of actually signing Kovy. And so everyone that has a stake in the Isles bidding are making the most of the side benefits (e.g. showing the fans that Wang is willing to pay, driving up the price for LA and NJ, pressuring Kate Murray, etc.). That doesn’t mean that Isles and Kovy aren’t seriously interested in each other.
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Ya know who looks ridiculous?
The media “sources” that fed this story to this fever pitch.
The media outlets that ran with this sensational story because it got “clicks”
Garth has NEVER said he made an offer. He asked Grossman (Kovy’s Agent) if Kovalchuk would be interested in the Islanders. A positive response got the wheels in motion. That is where Garth and Charles are at this point. They NEVER made the offer. It’s coming.
This 10 yr @ $10M is fabricated, from some “close source not authorized to talk about it”. CB has already stated only 3 people know about it.
Garth only made an inquiry, and got a positive response to bring an offer. That is where it’s at. Repeat: No offer was made. Yet.
I think we should all just enjoy the holiday and relax. Don’t expect anything today.
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it’s the devils who are offering 7.5 and kings 7 million and now the isles who are stacked with russians and who have russian community and east coast roadtrips and offering 8.5 to 9 miilion it is a hard decision why not take days too think it over and why do the isles look bad for failing it’s always the self hating fans they are the ones who are not true isles
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OK…..I have had enough for the holiday. Don’t know what, who, when , or where to believe anymore. If this is meant to be, so be it. I suggest we all give it a rest for the time being….I’m sure we all will have an answer by Tuesday or Wednesday the latest. Happy 4th everyone in the states….and ….uh….happy Sunday Canada.
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nino @ #658: Sorry, but Mike’s right. I meant to point this out earlier.
In addition to Kopitar (22), Doughty (20), Johnson (23), Moller (21) and Simmonds (21), all of whom are already on the roster, the Kings’ organization is ranked #1 overall in The Hockey News Future Watch, and have 4 prospcts in the top 100.
Brayden Schenn ranked 10th
Jonathan Bermier 15th
Colton Teubert 48th
Thomas Hickey 72ndFor comparison, we have 2 in the top 100: de Haan at #28 and Hamonic at #61.
Los Angeles is NOW what we HOPE to be in 3 years.
Jersey, OTOH, is on the way down, though Marty will keep the decline from being too steep.
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I think that if the Isles sign this guy, you’ll see all the people who did not return for another season ticket package come back….as well as creating new ones. As some of the posts above me stated earlier, you need to go out and sign a guy like this to prove to the community that you are serious about bringing a cup here… Granted, 10 years at 100 million might be steep, the man will achieve an enormous amount of success here, as well as help create success for others. He will sell probably more jerseys then Tavares and be a role model for our russian prospects. If Garth continues to build the core of this team around US born and Canadian born players, sprinkling in a scoring russian phenom should definitely help increase our chances of getting a cup, as Malkin did for Pittsburgh two years ago. It’s obvious the Washington model for success is not working.
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Yashin for President says:
#663- Totally agree. Kovalchuck takes the pressure off of all the young guys too.
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mooseman says:
I’m an isles fan living in atlanta. I have seen Kovy maybe more than anyone on this blog. Atlanta is not a hockey town, at a game there is a difference in the atmosphere than at a game on Long Island. I always go to an Isles game when I’m in NY. You can’t compare ATL and NY. He can play up there and would love the russian community in the area. One last thing when i would go to a thrashers game you knew when kovy had the puck that he was the guy you wanted with the puck when down by a goal. You will come out of you seat every time he shoots the puck. He is worth the money.
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Giaco says:
This will only happen if:
1. Kings get Gagne and sign him to a new deal
2. Devs dont budge with there low yr/low salary offer figuring Kovy rather win now than sign with the Isles in the middle of a rebuild
3. Isles blow Kovy out of the water (which they might have already) -
The Simtuation says:
I’m a little scared of the 10 mil over 10 talk. That would bring him to his mid 30′s and making 10 million a year. By then Tavares, Bailey, Okposo, Neierrieter, Petrov, Kabanov….ect. will be in the late 20′s early 30′s (when they will be getting paid the most). I want Kovalchuck but on a 8 year term, 10-12 mill a year but front loaded by a lot. Everybody wins that way, he gets his $$$, we get better term, the cap is managable enough to keep any stars that we have developed………….and how would we be able to keep Jon “The Simtuation” Sim
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If the Islanders do nab Kovalchuk, a big “IF” at that… They will be both media darling and media village idiot (depending on who’s doing the writing) for a little while … but as far as relevancey goes. They’ll be as relevant as the Atlanta Thrashers were in the hockey world. Which isn’t saying much.
It will take accomplishment on the ice, and with the arena to begin to remove the tarnish of 15 years of mocking negative press. Since Kovy couldn’t do that for Atlanta, there’s no gaurantee he can help the Isles and their youth emerge from the doldrums.
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Kovie is in no hurry to sign. he will wait until afew teams drive up the price, then sign with the team he always wanted-L.A. There are however, some intriguing aspects if he were to sign with the Isles, 1)He could be the most popular figure on long Island, and if he plays well, all of N.Y. 2) even though the Isles have some very talented forwards in their system, and will continue to improve, he will get all the credit when they do.3)Catalyst for a new arena 3) Plenty of top notch Russian talent in our system. 4)Long Island is a short drive from several Russian communities. 5)This team has many pieces in place, and he could very well win a cup here sooner than later. 6)Big Money Isles would no doubt offer him. How could you not want to play for a team that wants you so much? 7) It would be great for his image, proving to the hockey world that he can be the hero that is not afraid of a challenge-and WIN!!!
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Great points Erika. Players should not just look at the Isles record last year and think there is no hope. There is young talent already on the team and more coming. Many great benefits for playing on LI and the Isles. This is not the terrible situation many in the media and among some fan bases like to think.
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This is why it MAKES sense for the Isles to offer Ilya a higher $ amount than LA and NJ
* Yashin will make 4.755 million this year. After this season Yashin will make 2.204 million, 2.551 million will become available.
* Isles are paying Brendan Witt 3 million this year. Next year Witt becomes a UFA. That’s another 3 million that becomes available.
* Redek Martinek becomes a UFA after this season – Add another 2 million.
* Who knows what’s going on with Dipi. He could be announcing his retirement sooner than we all think. That’s 4.5 million.
* Not counting Dipi in the equation, the Isles will have an extra 7.551 million that they will need to spend next year.
My point is that Isles almost NEED to sign Ilya. It makes all the sense. He will make this team better and he will bring people to the old barn. I know I would come to more games. This is just my opinion. IF the Isles offer 10 million for 10 years, there is NO WAY any other team would come close to matching. IF the Isles go through with this offer, Ilya will be playing for the Isles for a very long time.
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Kovalchuk is the #1 catch in this years UFA class and he is going to pick the Islanders, after he already said no to his former team offering more $?? Signing IK kicks dirt in the face of what Garth has been working on the last three years. We have a handful of good young players still on their rookie deals, and they will all be earning huge raises in the next 1-3 years. Signing IK to a huge long term deal now will create cap issues three years from now. Think of the young players up for RFA deals in the next 3 years and then tell me $100 mil for 10 years is a good deal for a small market team like the Isles.
There are a handful of UFAs still available that can net 20 goals and wont be a salary cap albatross, and are career + players (unlike a career – like IK), including Frolov, Ponikarovsky and Torres.
Kate Murray is going to agree to build the Lighthouse because IK signs here, really?? This is the woman that refused to take Bettman’s phone calls and she is going to care about this? CW is a dangerous owner- he refused political help from Senator D’Amato early in the Lighthouse process, and now want s to sign another ten year albatross (to add to DP and Yashin deals) to the payroll. Talk about childish behavior.
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What amazes me about reading a lot of these comments is how so many are against this possible signing. When the Islanders don’t go out and sign a free agant you all complain, and now when they do try to land a HUGE free agent some of you also complain. Make up your minds. This is a great thing, just to see the Isles even trying this is reason for me to get exicted. We complain and complain about not spending moeny for a product to put on the ise and now that they are all you can do is talk about the large contracts. I promise you nobody was complaining at first when they gave Yashin that contract. Just enjoy that the team you love is trying to make itself better. and i believe they are.
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I really can’t see Kovalchuk coming to Long Island. This team is not that far away from making the playoffs but I don’t think Kovalchuk would consider playing for a team that can’t compete for the cup.
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come next summer the islanders will have 20-22 million dedicated including the Yashing buyout. Add 10 million for Kovalchuk and thats 30-32 million.
That would leave us another 25-30 million dollars to resign Okposo, Bailey, Hillen and some UFAs with enough left over for Tavares a year later.
That is more than doable.
Dont worry about the cap. Just get him here
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Well said CB.. If Wang wants him, he can get him.. money talks.. right?
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What’s the max? 20% of the cap? Give the guy $65M for 5 years. Ten years is just too much.
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Thank You CB for that last post … maybe it will bring the hockey world back to the reality of the situation.
Especially those that think the Isles made a 10 x 10 offer. Not on the table, and never was.
Garth is not going to take all the hard work he did the last 3 drafts and throw all his eggs in one basket.
If Garth / Wang get Kovy it’s going to be on their terms. Not at the expense of the rebuild, but only to super charge the rebuild. Charles isn’t going to throw good money after bad. He’s done that to many times already.
When I read all these misguided articles from reputable hockey outlets I just scoff at them. I wonder what the writer’s motivation is. To sensationalize? Mock? Insight fan fury agaisnt the Isles’ ownership? I’ve read some disgusting comments on some of these other sights bordering on racist. All this emotion about signing a hockey player to a contract.
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Jim Clark says:
Isn’t it a bit ridiculous to talk about Russian communities in New York attracting Kuryakin? If he does come here, he will be living in a mega-mansion in the Hamptons. Money will the the main factor, followed by how he and his agent see the Islanders’s chances to win a Stanley Cup.
He may (should) be worried about what happens to his money if/when there is another labor dispute in two years with the player’s hiring Don Fehr and Bettman will sure to follow his former boss David Stern in saying how the NBA/NHL is suddenly losing $400 million a year.
If Wang/Snow truly want Kuryakin, blow him out of the water with an offer. Don’t try to make it a couple hundred thousand higher than the Devils/Kings. Make it a huge difference.
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Of those five I think the only team that can offer max cap is the Islanders. If it’s a money thing, we will not be outbid.
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The math part says sign him. Give him what he wants, especially with Yashin, Witt Marinek etc out of the team. No problem at all. The question is what will it do to the team’s chemistry (if it has one).He is not captain material according to Atlanta fans. Will they give him the “C” ?what happens after Weight is out? I do not envy Snow but let’s hope he knows how to balance it.
Like the idea of all these speedy Russians that may be joining in(hope it is soon). Will make it an interesting season.
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THE TKO LINE (TAVARES, KOVALCHUK, OKPOSO) (COPYRIGHT TO STRUMMER)WOULD INSTANTLY ONE OF THE BEST LINES IN THE NHL THAT FEW TEAMS COULD MATCH.
It would also take a ton of pressure off the other lines.
If Wang wants him he can have him? Isles started this I wasn’t thinking about the guy being possible but now that it is out there the Isles have to win.
If the Isles do not sign him now it is a kick to the groin to all of us when we have had too many already being Isles fans, if they sign him then it is a kick to the groin of the rest of the NHL and the media who thinks we aren’t worthy (despite our franchise having a much more impressive history….even with the lean times then most of the other franchises).
Everyone please phone Snow’s office and tell him to get it done.
Snow added size to the defense but the two guys do not use it. Someone made an awesome point Eaton had only 25 hits in 79 games. I don’t know how any NHL players gets through a game without a hit but for a d-man it is totally inexusable. Yes, I know many Isles d-man don’t record a hit in a game but that is the issue.
Great Isles defenses and why they could compete and do so well against guys like Lemuix and Jaqr was because they were pounding them.
Snow still hasn’t added those 2-3 big mean, tough d-men the club has lacked for years. Is Jurcina or Eaton going to stop Avery from diving on Ricky’s head or wrestling with Roloson? I doubt it,especially now that he has Boogard watching his back.
CB thanks so much for this coverage it is exciting and I am sure great for PB and Fanhouse. Appreciate it on the 4th and on a weekend you moved (to a deluxe apartment in the sky?).
Happy 4th of July and blessings to America, to the Isles and to all the citizens.
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Quoting Botta: “Time will tell why Wang authorized Snow to confirm to the media…”
The above fact – regardless of motive, or outcome – forever changes the discussion surrounding the Islanders.
No longer can it be argued: slow and steady rebuild; build through the draft; no big money free-agents until the Lighthouse is approved; marquee talent won’t play on LI; Wang loses money every year and cannot spend on top players; etc, etc.
The patchwork of rationalizations, layered thick, one upon another, year after year, used to erect a facade behind which to hide the ineptitude and duplicity which have been the hallmarks of this Organization for far too long, has now been torn asunder by the very hand that built it: Charles Wang.
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I think if Snow traded for a couple of quality d-men Kovi would look at the Isles as being much more competitive. Right now it is slightly upgraded over last year on defense and then you figure all the youngsters improve.
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Chris, (662), you missed the point of my post. I’m thinking it’s not entirely about the money when it comes to Ilya and his camp. Sure, the money has to be there. But he played on some lousy Atlanta clubs for so long, that IMO, his agent is pressuring for some assurances from Snow/Wang that the Isles will continue to spend in an effort to make a productive team. And I wouldn’t blame Ilya’s camp from wanting these assurances, as the Isles have been down for so long…
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I’m trying to figure out how the Islanders could benefit from the hype if in fact that is all this is. Perhaps a team like Philadelphia would trade us a decent player for practically nothing in order for us to back down. Maybe we could get Gagne away from Philly or something comparable from another team in order to go away.
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jay mz27 ur right and mike i think u drank too many bud’s 14 million a year that;s y the us economy crashed we are not the raNGERS
offer 7-8 million for 9 years -
Chris!! You mentioned offering a deal Ilya cannot refuse. If not a ten year,100mil deal,what will blow him away? Given close dollars,it would be reasonable to expect him to choose the more stable currently relevant Organization. I realize the advantage we have over the Kings and Devils in Cap Space,but lowering any offer to a point where either of these teams might be able to find a way of tipping the scales,would be foolhardy and accomplish nothing. Considering these factors,Chris,just what type of Islanders offer is one Kovy cannot refuse?
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Erasing my comments doesn’t erase the truth.
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IslanderNation says:
CB, any news on Jaffe’s contract status?
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Michael Nagin says:
Chris this would be a wonderful end to the free agent hunt the Isles have been through. Having Kovalchuk added to our offense would be potent. I don’t want to see the club bury themselves like they have with Yashin, but I think Kovalchuk is not in the same category and looks like he plays with passion. It would a wonderful thing to see happen. Lets keep on hoping and praying!
Mike -
Bob E says:
no interest if it means signing him for 10 yrs. no thanks. while he would immediately make a top team i dont like the thought of another yashin or dp contract to cripple us again. it probably the biggest reason why finished so poorly last few years .
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Just got in from a 90 degree bike ride….Holy freakin’ flounder I’m toast!! Happy 4th fellas, don’t forget sunscreen (ouch)
I haven’t read through all the posts but I was wondering, would it not make good sense and be a selling point to bring up the names Petrov and Kabanov to the conversation with Kovy? I hope so..
I’m just sayin…” -
gino says:
according to helene elliot on twitter kovalchuk said no to the kings
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kovy said no to the kings..could this be it???
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I just confirmed Gino’s post, NO to Kings…
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No to the Kings!!!!
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I don’t know anything about her. Is she in the know? If it’s true, what does it mean for the Islanders? Does he take the $7.5M that NJ can offer or $8M+ that the Islanders can give.
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so I wonder if its between the isles and devils or is there another team laying in the weeds
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Every minute Kovy waits and the dollars shrink. What a MO-RON
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Helene Elliot had a quote from Dean Lombardi, Kings GM, acknowledging posts 702-704. Hopefully Lou Lamorillo is now at the beach and Wang’s not!!!
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707 she is the beat writer for the LA times for the kings
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As we read earlier, supposedly Philly and Colorado are in the mix. Philly couldn’t possibly pull it off unless they move Gagne. That would give them about $7-8M to offer. If Colorado is involved they could be a player. They have plenty of cap room to rival any Islander offer.
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Steve M says:
The more teams that join, the less possible reason for him to come here. The Devils, Flyers, and Avalanche are all contenders, so who knows what Kovy wants.
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The news on L.A. has gone from her twitter to her blog on the LA times website. If the Islanders were ever true players to land this stud, our odds of getting it done just increased significantly,
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i would be concerned about colorado
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Pro hockey talk at NBCSPORTS has an article correcting the Colorado and Philly rumors. It states that Philly has not yet made an offer to Kovy. It also states that Adrian Dater of the Denver Post says the Avs are not interested. It specifically says we’re back down to the original three of LA, NJ, and NYI and as of right now it looks like LA is out. If all of the reports are accurate, we are down to a heads up showdown with the Devils.
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haha. somewhat reminds me of when dave winfield was a fa along w/george foster. the yanks signed big dave and we got foster. what fa would be big george?
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sth says:
this whole situation reminds me way too much of lebron james. he just needs to sign, kovy, anywhere. sure it would be great if the isles got him but let’s be realistic? according to newsday, snow went after paul martin and because of the building situation no one wants to come here. snow went through this with ryan smyth who just used the isles as leverage. all i’m saying is that kovy wants to win. if the rangers could offer him a big contract, they would have. i’m simply saying is look at the facts of how many actual ufa’s sign here and until the isles moving situation is really settled and they have a building, no one is coming here.
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Elliott of the LA Times said “various corners of the hockey universe was that Kovalchuk is aiming high — think $10 million a year for 10 to 12 years — and the Kings are uncomfortable with that”…..did she get that info from reading pointblank?…Is this how rumors become self-fulfilling prophecy?
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Colorado can’t do it. Duchene is 2 years a way from a real contract as well Stewart and etc. They have to many young assets to pay in the next couple of years. No, Kovy is looking more and more like he will wear the orange and bleu, but for what price?
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Reminder: The $7.5M that NJ can offer includes them going a max of 10% over the cap. NJ is about $3.75M under the cap right now. They would have to move somebody ie Zubrus in order to come up with the $7M.
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Katie Strang reporting that LA is out of the Kovalchuk pursuit, claiming they put their best offer out there already! This is going to be interesting.
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#716…Colorado absolutely could afford him if the team wanted him, but where are you guys getting these Aves rumors from? I haven’t heard them mentioned as a destination.
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LA IS OUT!!!! LOLOLOL OMG THIS IS AWESOME!!!! comon i wanna make a fake kovy jersey if the isles get him and wear it in front of my dad.
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isles4ever says:
Sign Kovalchuk and Frolov and get another tough dmen and this will be the best summer ever!!! Then trade Hunter, Witt and Gervais..
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isles4ever if sutton is still available they should try to get him back
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Why would Kovalchuk have any interest in Colorado, given the rejection of LA? Colorado probably can’t bid more than we can; yes, they made the playoffs last year, but this is not a team particularly close to being a contender; Kovy’s girlfriend is on the East coast. Kovalchuk signing with the Avalanche makes no sense in light of him turning down the Kings.
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Trading Gervais is a good idea. I think we can get Dustin Kohn or Dylan Reese in a deal with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers
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Kovy turned down 12 years at $101M and also 7 years at $70M. This clearly can’t be all about money if he walked away from that much to stay in Atlanta. The guy wants to win and for him to sign a long term deal you would have to think that it would be with a team willing to pay and that he believes can be a winner. I would like to believe that we are in a better position to contend in the years to come than Atlanta but my opinion is bias. We can offer him those same numbers that Atlanta gave him but is it enough? Have we done enough during the early stages of this rebuild to prove that we are committed to winning? I’m not sure. I think we’re a 2:1 underdog against New Jersey for his services. I sincerely hope that I’m wrong.
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I am so tense now it’s ridiculous. Fingertips numb from excitement and anxiety.
I am afraid of Colorado too…not sure who else.
I want a new jers…I mean new hockey sweater!!! -
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post says the Avs are not interested
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Steve M says:
The plus(es) for Kovy himself signing here.
Great place to live
Close to his Girlfriend
Russian Communities
Russians on the Islanders -
Well boys and girls, it’s been kicked up a notch! Sorry Emeril, had to use it.
So far everything is playing out. Geez, now the waiting until something is confirmed.
CB and to all Isles fans everywhere: Happy 4th of July!!
If not for CB staying the course on IPB, this communication would not be possible.
So, everyone that posts, please salute CB as deserved.
CB! CB! CB!
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Steve M says:
** Russians soon to be on the Isles
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Richkromm says:
KOvi is going to sign his life away with a team that plays UNDER the cap floor!! Give me a break!! He will take 30% less to play for king/devils/rangers/philly….. Nobody signs with isles unless they have little to no options(weight. Moulson. Biron )
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turgeon77 says:
I wouldn’t be surprised if he signs with the Islanders now that the L.A. Kings are out. New Jersey is the much better organization, but with Brodeur at 38 and in decline (as well as the Devils present cap issue), why would he want to hang out there for 7-10 years? If the present situation with Washington, Pittsburgh, Chicago and Colorado going from leagues worst to best in a few years time is in an indicator that a player needs to be somewhat forward-looking, Ilya might take the chance with the NYI now that they’ve spent to many years building up top prospects.
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He stated he wants to play in a large market area and Den really isn’t that spot. NY is the largest media outlet in the world and LA is #2, with them out…….
BTW if the Rangers manage to sign him then the league needs to check their books. Sather hasn’t had cap room for years yet keeps handing out these crazy money offers every year.
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The Avalanche story is a push by Kovy’s agent. He’s running LOW on options. I think the Isles played it right. Just like Kabanov. Wait it out. Wait for your own terms. Isles will get him cheaper than anyone thought. NJ’s has absolutely no real chance at all. Not at 7 or 8 mil. And Jersey is on the decline. Looks like he is ours if we want him.
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Mike 724 — the great irony, of course, is that Atlanta has really reloaded this summer with all the Chicago trades. They’re going to be very good.
But remember that their ownership situation is a total mess. I have to think this is one reason why Kovalchuck rejected the Thrashers. The partners have sued each other since day 1, and it’s not likely to end.
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I’m glad this thing isn’t done for today, I’m at work for two more hours, I need to stay entertained.
With Kovy’s rebuttal of those long term high money contracts it makes me feel slightly better.
I just don’t feel comfortable giving anyone a 10 yr or more deal.
What if a year or two in he gets hurt? Tries to comeback but isn’t the same. Gets injured again (sound familiar?).
Then what? Yeah, he’s a great guy, played well for a few seasons, but now what?
I don’t like these long contracts. Especiallty with our previous experiences with them.
And I wouldn’t want Wang to blow his whole wad of cash on one guy. What if Tavares explodes next year and dominates in scoring and starts getting crazy offers from other teams when he’s ready? Sorry John, we’d love to keep you but, Ilya’s got all the money.
Sorry for the long rant, I just get so passionate and frustrated about this team sometimes.
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Love to have him here. I just question the wisdom of that much money over that many years, unless they front load it. I also worry about Yashin/Kavasha/Satan part duex.
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christian says:
in canada gm of kings said we gave our best shot wow out now only isles devils and that’s it flyers wan’t a goalie and avs said no way
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On the flip side if the rebuild doesn’t work out and the team around Tavares isn’t as good as it should be, who’s to say that he would stick around anyways. Regardless, in two years he’s an RFA. He wont be unrestricted until after the next contract. We’re talking about something that isn’t a factor for 5-6 years.
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This good news for sure. There aren’t many teams with the room to add him without dealing players.
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Also, on a lighter note, there’s been approximately 3,000 (!) comments since free agency on the first. On a beautiful holiday weekend none the less.
Thanks, CB. I love you, man.
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pat says:
this is THE move the isles have to make. it is time for some fun after all the garbage.
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Kovy’s camp confirms the LA times report to espn that the Kings are out.
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I hope this is the end with the Isles getting Kovi. I’m not sure my nerves can take much more.
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LA took their ball and went home. Close the deal Garth. Don’t give camp Kovy a chance to call them back. Close him tonight!
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barney nexy year yashin’s cap drops 2 million and cap goes up 1-2 miilion a year in 10 years cap is increased by 15-20 million lot’s of money ok and in 5 years yashin contract of the book another 2 million lot’s of money y can’t u undrrstand this and we never hit cap maximum
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Sorry cb, I don’t think it’s posturing. I think they are legit about being out. Looks like a one horse race. Devs can’r afford him and are no longer able to dream of getting him at a discount. Rangers dont have the cap space. And Av’s are not even interested. I wonder who else Kovy’s agent can try and say is interested. If I was Snow I’d tell his agent he has until Monday night. After that pull the offer and sign Frolov and go about your way.
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Perhaps LA is just calling b*llshit on Snow and the Islanders. I would guess that camp Kovy gave LA a chance to match and they passed. LA must not think the Islanders are serious about making the formal offer. If the Islanders want him for 10 years at $100K they can likely get him. We we lower the offer then LA will get back in the mix.
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Perhaps LA is just calling b*lls**t on Snow and the Islanders. I would guess that camp Kovy gave LA a chance to match and they passed. LA must not think the Islanders are serious about making the formal offer. If the Islanders want him for 10 years at $100K they can likely get him. We we lower the offer then LA will get back in the mix.
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Pretty sure he’s gonna stay in the Atlantic division. The mans got a family and the travel in this division is prob going to cater to him best. So really its between Us and The Devils. But Lou won’t give him the 10 mill he wants. I like our chances.
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Lou can’t give him $10. Lou can’t give him $7 without dropping a decent sized contract. He has less than $4M in cap space.
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I say we give him $50M for 6 years. Sounds like a great deal to me. $8.33M per year.
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curse the INTERNET!!! i need to go to sleep for a week and wake up with the answer. this sucks. i say Ilya ends up a Ranger. thats right i said it!
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Yesterday i went for a hair cut and a shave at my favorite barbershop.{During my Haircut I mentioned to my barber who is Russian,how would the Russian community of NY embrace the arrival of Ilya Kovalchuk playing for the NY Islanders.His reaction he signs.tickets are reasonable.we will go and support him.
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With LA out the best Center he can play with is by far John Tavares! Very appealing to a winger.
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I’m sure your barber will go to one game, then he’ll find out about the insane parking prices and start staying home to watch our incredible analog tv broadcasts on msg+2. It will remind him of acid trips from decades past.
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…I think this is it!!
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bring it home Garth. I can’t take this anymore.
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I know the Isles are close or at least touched a nerve by the way some big name bloggers and twitters are reacting. They are totally bashing the entire organization, as if the Islanders can never win EVER. Like their ice is somehow defective and they put their skates on backwards. If this was all complete and utter nonsense, they would be doing what they always do, ignore us. We must be close!
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jack says:
Didn’t Ilya turn down $70 mil over 7 years from Atl?
Why would he take less (time or money) here?
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I want Kovi for all the bashing the Isles have taken from the media and certain fan bases and the FA’s who turned down the Isles.
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Tavares and Co must be as eager as we are.
Kovy should net 50 playing with JT. -
Steve M says:
Everyone is bashing Kovy on a post about him. Saying things like “KHL Bound”, “You have to be out of your mind”, “He’ll end up with the Islanders and go nowhere.” I hope we sign him soon and shut up all the haters out there, and give this rebuilding a huge boost, and the LHP a huge boost.
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You know….the Kings DO have more young talent than the Isles, but the gap isn’t THAT wide. What exactly have the Kings done in the past twenty years?
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IslesHopeful says:
I just read that Colorado is not a player and Philly does not have the cap room. This seems to be between Isles and Devils and I dont believe the Devils have enough room.
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I’m really hoping this thing can get done in the next 24 hours. we’re all doing the logic here, the Isles are now the only real option for Kovy to go to. 6-8 years at 9-11 mill should satisfy both parties.
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I have one question to the Hockey world. Why is that when the Islanders try and land a top quality player they knock it. If it were any other team they would be saying how great it would be for the organization. wtf. Kovy is not the answer but it would sure help this team and fan base.
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So cb, Do you put Kovy with Tavares and then put bailey with them? With Zenon we have enough centers.
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Maybe I’m a pessimist (I root for the Islanders and Orioles, how could I not be) but I still expect some team to swoop in at the last minute and sign Kovy. Hope I’m wrong though.
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I hate to be the pessimistic one but who says Kov will want to become an Islander? Everyone is saying it’s between us and the Devils and since the Devils don’t have cap space we are most likely to get him… If he’s looking to sign such a long term deal it would have to be with a team he wants to be with. Maybe it will be the Isles but if his choices are limited to only 2 teams in the NHL, I can see him signing a 1 year deal with another team for about $6-6.5 million and then testing the market again next offseason. One of the benefits for a player to be a UFA is they have a say where they will play. Given our building issues and possible relocation, I wouldn’t be surprised if he signs a one year deal with another team or goes to the KHL for a year.
For him to sign with us, three things would have to happen. 1. The Isles would have to want him. 2. Kov would want to be on the Isles long term. 3. The money and contract terms would have to be right for both sides.
If any of those 3 things don’t check out properly, then he isn’t signing with us no matter how much/little competition there is in signing him.
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Botta on Twitter, regarding published reports Lombardi (LA) has dropped from Kovalchuk sweepstakes: “If you’re out of bidding for a player, you just stop bidding. If you want to make a play, tell the media.”
And if you want to enter the bidding for a player, you just start bidding; if you want to make a play, tell Garth to text ESPN.
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Jeff D says:
Philly is trying to move Gagne to open up more cap space. Funny enough, LA is interested in Gagne. Maybe that’s the delay. Call me pessimistic
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its posturing by Lombardi. Great point made on twitter, you don’t call the media to tell them you’re out. You just stop bidding or returning phone calls.
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Well … at this point we can torture oursevles as we twist in the wind. Nothing we can do about it no matter how we feel about the Kovy FA drama.
I’m just going to keep an eye out for news, and take everything with a grain of salt unless I hear something definitive.
Happy 4th All … enjoy the rest of the evening.
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No one will respect this organization until they win. If Kovi comes here AND they win, a lot of people will have to eat their own words. I hope it happens.
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#776 Philly trying to move Gagne for Goalie cap space.
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barney sti says:
You’re right, Christian, there is a lot of money available.
Call me a pessimist, but, it is the Islanders we’re talking about.
It seems like they always find some way to screw up.
These last few years have been very positive. Maybe this will be the turning point. Get it done and get it done correctly.
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If this doesn’t happen how about Frolov and Svatos?
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David Volek says:
WOW, this is actually happening. No team has the cap space that the isles do. Kovalchuk is one of the top 4 players in the world offensively. Imagine what 40 extra goals per year would do for this team…………..PLAYOFFSSSSSSSSS
GET ER DONE……..this guy deserves Yashins contract…….10 years, 10 shmill. He is WORTH every penny. The guys puck is glued to his stick.
I cannot believe that I really think the isles are gonna get him………
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If there’s one thing we have discovered from all of this is that there is a TON of hate for the Isles and our fanbase. They just can’t STAND that the Isles are IN IT for Kovy, forget it if our beloved orange and blue actually SIGNED him!
I hope Garth and Wang are serious and show him the money. (if not the years;6 years is enough) Make him Tavares’and Okposos’ wingman for the forseeable future.
And more importantly? Make us DANGEROUS for the first time in FOREVER!!!!
You want to excite the fanbase and get EVERYone talking about the Isles and shine a spotlight on John Candys twin and the rest of the TOH’s incompetance??
TWO words:
Sign Kovalchuk.Get er done.
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I will believe it when I see Ilya at a press conference with an Islanders sweater on surrounded by Wang, Snow etc. The latest news is there is no news. I’m hoping for an answer either way hopefully on Monday. HURRY UP! lmao
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The Isles need a big time goal scorer. The FA list for next year is pretty weak. Kovy is on the top 5 in the NHL. No one in the org has the potential of Kovy. He may be overrated, and he’ll surely be overpaid, but he could fulfill the role that Hossa serves on the Hawks – he scores – A LOT. You can look past the faults, that’s why we have Frans
. It may be a year or two earlier than the Isle’s planned, but this would be a great move. You may not get a chance like this again. Do it. -
Report on web has SKA of KHL offering 4 yrs @ 9 mil per year. Says if that goes up to 4×10 (tax free) he’ll sign.
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Kovie will take his time with deciding. The more he waits, the more frenzy there is. I would love to have him, but not at 10 x 10, that is too much money for too long. Just out bid everyone else and see what happens. Invite him to our prospects game this week, the one with the two veeery talented russian players among others. Oh, and it would not hurt to mention the fan base has already changed the name of the team to the N.Y Ilyanders. If he signs, that would be awesome. If he does not, oh well, I still like our young players and Garth did do a damn good job at the draft. I only want him if his heart is in it.
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With all due respect to CB, the offer will need to be or need to be very close to 10 mil per for 8-10. That is the offer that will blow all others away, stop them from taking it ot other teams and most importantly, get him to commit to the Island and its uncertainties.
I find your comments a bit contradicting. “There is no offer of $100 million for ten years. There doesn’t have to be. What Wang and Garth Snow must produce – again, if they want Kovalchuk in the orange and blue for his prime years – is an offer Kovalchuk and Jay Grossman cannot refuse.” That will need to be close to, given his past demands.
“Make them an offer so strong, the agent wouldn’t waste his time shopping it to Lou Lamoriello and Dean Lombardi.”
Again that supports the original supposition.“It doesn’t have to be for $10 million a year.” Not sure how you know this? Given his past refusals, the number suggested will need to be close to this.
“All anyone needs to know is, if he wants to be All Ilyalanders, Charles Wang can make it happen.”
We are all around topic, Ilys refused a 12yr 100 = 8mil plus/yr and 7yr 70mil = 10 mil/yr. So it will need to likely be in the 8.5-10 mil/yr for 8-10 yrs and maybe a bit more to get him on the Island.
I hope we get him, but taking prvious argument we are damning Wang. If he pays 10 and 100, he pays too much. If he does not get him he was unwilling to pay, which is it?
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Diane says:
If we do end up getting him I just hope he WANTS to be a part of the rebuild and accepts (and embraces) his role in it.
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Blizzard says:
…this guy cans core anywhere from the blueline in. Dynamic scorer. Would flourish in our system I think. No better LW to put with JT out there IMO. Well thats available of course. This would most defiantly put the Islanders on the map. Kovy signing following a strong draft is almost too good to be true. Almost. Bring him home Snowang. Bring us a winner and the fans will rock the old barn right to Kate Murray’s house!!!!
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Dave says:
Diane @ 789:
If Kovy comes here, one can argue that we are no longer in re-build mode…and even if we are, it is at an entirely different level. I don’t think Kovy would have any problem embracing and accepting his role, which would be the go-to guy who will be expected to score 40-50 goals a year and lead the team into the playoffs. I think he’d like that.
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Loudville330 says:
Has anyone thought that Ilya may consider the option of going to the KHL?????
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no
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Nothing more for tonight. See ya all in the morning. I believe we will have a new 10 mil. dollar man by then end of the night. (Monday)
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Hotstick12 says:
If we sign him i will do cartwheels down my block !!
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IsleFan73 says:
Out all day and night in beautiful Long Island watching the fireworks. Ilya, if by some chance you are reading this post, the Isles is the place to be. Young studs on the rise, yes a new building some where, and loyal fans starving for your talent. Ilya, it’s a no brainer, NJ Devils are on the wrong side of the mountain and have a new coach every year, and it’s New Jersey. LA Kings, wrong coast for you my friend. If Mr. Wangs offer is best, jump on it. A house in Old Brookville, and the Hamptons. Easy access to the city. A Stanley Cup!! Enough said.
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Isles 22 says:
nhl .com says he turned down the kings offer
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Mike in Bohemia says:
I remember the weekend we got Aucoin, Peca & Yashin. There was an event at the coliseum and just about everybody was ecstatic, especially about Yashin. Not many admit it today, but nobody minded the $s, duration, and the loss of Chara. We were finally getting someone who could put the puck in the net. 20-20 hindsight and the Islanders get blasted about that deal, still to this day.
That’s what makes such a long term deal, even with Kovulchuk, so risky. I hope they take the risk, but I’m hoping they can pull it off with a 6 – 8 year deal. -
Barney#743! I really don’t know what your worries are,nor does it seem you are educated in significant dollar player contracts. Kovalchuk is insurable. You can bet very dollar of his contract will be insured and recovered if G-d forbid he suffers a career shortening injury. You can’t factor these possibilies into consideration for a healthy young man. As a great philosopher once said S–t happens and is beyond anyones control!! The Isles are in the catbird seat and will be for years to come regarding Salary Cap control and will have no problem locking up John Tavares should he bust out. By that time Charles will either have certainty and a financially stable franchise,or the Isles will have a new owner with very deep pockets. If it takes 10mil per for 10 years to make Ilya Kovalchuk the new face of this franchise,so be it. Unfortunately the Isles current culture,disrespect and irrelevance,right or wrong precedes them. Hence they MUST significantly exceed an offer by any other suitor. They cannot get cute here,allow pride get in the way and worry about potentially bidding against themselves. Going slightly above the Isles competitors offers will not get this done! It might take a player of this magnitude for this franchise to shed itself of its lousy perception. If fate or kismet is to be believed,this opportunity fell from Heaven and was meant to be. The circumstances cry out for its execution and the timing couldn’t be any closer to being perfect. Perhaps Kovalchuk on the Islanders at this point in time is The Hockey G-ds will! Don’t forsake them!! Are you listening,Garth????
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DID ANYONE SEE THIS PART OF THE STORY? FROM THE SAME HELENE ELLIOTT OF THE L.A. TIMES ” “A source who is familiar with the situation but isn’t authorized to speak about it publicly said the New York Islanders were offering Kovalchuk $10 million a year for 10 years to become the centerpiece of their team and their campaign for a new arena. The source said the Islanders, who are about $9 million beneath the cap floor, were close to finalizing a deal with Kovalchuk.”(July 2 9:09pm P.S.T)…. Close to finalizing a deal? With the contracts Wang gave Yashin and DiPietro, it’s hard to imagine any team is going to give a bigger offer than the Isles. And how many Athletes today are going to leave 20 million dollars on the table? At this point, the Isles have to be considered big favorites to “Land the Elephant”
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@791. If think that bringing Kovy ends the rebuilding I disagree. The Isles still need to add several pieces to the puzzle before you consider it completed. The team still needs to address the goaltending questions, solidify the defense and strengthen the forward lines a little more. To say the rebuild is complete is to have a well stocked farm system able to step in to any position.
I would say this move makes the team more competitive, fun to watch and better suited to make the playoffs. It adds a dynamic we have not had in years. ala Ziggy palffy.
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I just want to add … Not to throw a wet blanket on this whole thing …
A few years ago I saw a graphic that shows when an NHL player peaks in production… In most players … They peak between age 28 – 30 .. then plateau, and see a slow decline through age 35 before dropping sharply.
Players like Messier and Hull peaked around there and had a longer plataeu before dropping sharply … Gretzky spiked very early, and plateaued in his late 20s, and had a slow decline …. A vast majority of star players however never see better numbers once they hit 30 than they did in their mid – late 20s.
Just saying. If I can find that graphic with an explanation I’ll forward to CB to post.
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NYCIslesFan says:
To everyone saying that this will show people that the Isles are legit, I’m not so sure.
I have not seen any other player get hated on as much as Kovy.
Any website, forum, message board, comment section you read, it’s all hate for Kovy.
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steve says:
cb you said make him a offer he can’t refuse what in your opinion is that offer?
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For all of you that are begging for Kovalchuk at 10 million because the Islanders are about 9-10 million under the cap, ask yourselves this question. Would you want Kovalchuk for 10 million or would you want a combination of Gagne, Frolov and Torres for a combined 10 million. Gagne makes 5.25 million for one year, and at 30 years old if he has a good year you can re-sign him. Frolov will get anywhere between 2.5 to 3.5 million for 2-3 years. Torres will get 1.5 to 2.25 for 2-3 years. This makes your team so much better on all three lines for the same price. Teams will not be able to focus on one line. You will probably have to give up a second round pick and a middle of the line prospect for Gagne. The toughest challenge will be to pry Gagne from a rival Atlantic division opponent. You will have a team that will score a lot of goals and be entertaining for the first time in 30 years. This is the right direction to go without screwing up the rebuild and not overpaying somebody and having another Yashin.
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This is not Yashin….this guy has much more passion than he ever did. Only Ovechkin has scored more points in the last 5 years….more than Malkin, more than Crosby. This move is worth it in so many ways. This move changes the Islanders for good.
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Gagne and Torres are legit, and respected NHL’ers that will give your organization credit without screwing up the team or the future pay standars for everybody on this team now.
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ken says:
gagne is injury prone. frolov will make well over 3M. Look for him to cash in around 4 or 5M and hes gonna get 4-5 years. and please dont compare any part of torress to kovalchuk.
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Everyone is saying that we are screwing up the cap of the future but do everyone realize that we are 13 mill below the minimum? That leaves another 10 to 13 plus to play with. There is still room to sign our younger players at a later date. And that is with the assumption they all pan out to warrant top dollar. It is all speculation down the road. I do not believe the Islanders are hamstrung with making this deal. the note of players peaking btwn 28 and 30 puts everything inline with Kovy and the Isles game plan of projected legit contenders. Plus if Kovy signs 10 yr deal it puts him at 37. Still not bad. I fail to see how this not win win for Isles.
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A little lesson on the insurance industry and sports contracts for those who think injury is not a monetary concern: in general, insurers don’t give away money.
Insuring sports contracts is a difficult business and many insurers who previously offerfed coverage no longer participate in this market (think Albert Belle).
Just because a contract is insured, doesn’t mean it’s for the full amount. It could only be for a loss exceeding half the contract amount, the first few years of a contract, or after the team has paid a huge deductible. Even with all of these limits, the premiums can be VERY expensive.
I’ve heard that DP’s contract is “insured,” but I’ve never seen the terms.
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everyone noone can believe he will be great for all 10 years but if we get 7 great years from kovi then it will be worth eating this bad contract for the final 3.
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Stevie10703 says:
@807, I’m just wondering, if Kovy was say a Canadian player who put up the exact same numbers and plays the exact same way, would there be that much hate from posters on other boards, here on the comment section, and in the media, especially the Canadian media. This is a guy that’s averaged 46 goals a year over the last 5 years and people have something to b.itch about. I don’t get it.
The Islanders have a shot at getting a dynamic goal scorer and a guy that can change a game. Landing him we’re getting a winger for JT who will open up more ice for JT. But, no, lets get Frolov (a 20 goal guy) and Torres (a third liner) and we’re already a better team, this is a joke isn’t it???
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sincityislesfan says:
#809 i so dont see your logic. preferring hmm kovalchuk for gagne, frolov and torres is like trading a corvette for a volkswagon bug, a nissian maxima and a mini van. like it or not kovalchuk is one of the most dynamic prolific goal scores in the nhl, gagne is small, injury prone, frolov has never really done anything significant and torres is a fourth liner at best. comparing yashin to kovalchuk is comparing apples to oranges. the only thing they have in common is they are both russian. yashin broke 40 goals twice in 12 years in the nhl. he also sat out an entire year in a contractual dispute.
Kovalchuk is nothing like yashin,frolov has played 7 years in the nhl and has yet to put two good yes together in a row, just what the islanders need another inconsistent player we hope will somehow put it all together. gagne is listed at 6ft 200 lbs has played 9 years in the nhl has broken 40 goals twice, has scored 524 pts in 664 games
Kovalchuk is listed at 6′ 2″ 230 lbs is 3 years younger than gagne has played 8 years in the nhl broke 40 goals 6 times consecutively 2 of 6 season breaking 50 goals had scored 642 pts in 621 games avg more than a pt a game over his entire nhl carear playing on mostly bad teams. no the islanders dont need a player like that to root for do they -
Good AM CB and to all! IF this goes down, and after the Kings bowing out yesterday, it certainly looks better then it did when CB posted here late Friday.
How about the:
T avares
K olvachuk
O kposoL I N E! TKO baby!!!! Geez, come on Charles and Garth, Sign Kolvi NOW!!
Make it happen, and let’s put the past behind us as we move forward together as one, let’s fill the ol’ barn again and create that tough tix like the CUP years..TKO! TKO! TKO!
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thepolishprince says:
I think the concern posted by some here is not so much based on worries about Kovys skill or passion but more on the prudence of handing out yet another monstrous contract in terms of length and dollars. After all, the last two didn’t work out that well did they.
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9 years 95 mil.
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Ken I will remember the name and look to see what Frolov will get if he doesn’t go back to the KHL. Nobody in the NHL will pay him 4-5 million for 4-5 years. NOBODY! NOBODY compared Kovalchuk to Torres. That is RIDICULOUS. I simply stated that a combination of Torres, Frolov, and Gagne would be better than just Kovalchuk for about the same amount of money. I do agree with you that Gagne has had injury problems the past 2-3 years.
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For everyone that thinks getting Kovy would be a bad idea: are you kidding. He is one of the top three goal scorers in the league and is in his prime. How often is a guy like this available as a free agent? Never. We give up no draft picks and no players. We won’t have to hear for years about giving up Chara and Soezza for Yashin or Luongo and Jokinen foe Parrish and Kavasha. Kovy is only 5 years older than Kyle Okposo. Signing him is a no brainer.
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Will C. says:
Kirill Krill Kovul…..wait, that is definitely NOT a good line name, however he would be great to bring the Russian skill kids we have along, and you can’t put a price on him helping develop these high talent guys who need that guidance. If the Isles sign him and attach these two at his hip they would be sooooo dangerous.
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This is not a dangerous risk, its to get to the freakin FLOOR. If it doesn’t work out 5 years in, he’s bought out, the cap is 65mill and we are still spending 39 at the floor.
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Frolov has had 5 consecutive seasons with 20 plus goals with two 30 goal seasons in there. Gagne has had four 30 plus goal seasons with two 40 goal seasons. Torres would be a great 3rd liner and he has scored more than 15 goals four times in his career with his best year being 27 goals. Add their lowest average totals up and you have 65 goals without messing with the teams payroll and an improvement on all three lines. Kovalchuk had 52 goals his best year. 13 under the total of the three above.
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I just heard from an ironclad very reliable source that always gives me good information before anyone else that none of us know anything about this situation.
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@Vic #822,
Don’t confuse us with well thought out and rational math arguements. The heart wants what the heart wants. I do find those numbers interesting though but forget it, the frenzy is ON! -
Nobody is denying Kovalchuk’s talent. He is an elite level player but ask yourselves this. Crosby’s cap hit is 8.7 million. Ovechkin’s cap hit is 9.5 million. Sedin’s cap hit is 6.1 million. Is everybody here willing to pay Kovalchuk 1.3 million more than Crosby (5 years younger than Kovalchuk) or Ovechkin (4 years younger) or Sedin. Are you kidding me?
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You can’t tell me you rather sign three guys hoping they each have career years to equal the one we are going for. That is crazy. Sign Kovul, then get one of those other three, and we are good to go for the year, add those three guys and you completely stop the rebuild with no more roster spots for the yutes.
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seth says:
COME ON SNOW GET KOVY IN A ISLANDERS UNIFORM!!!!
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@819, the polish prince:
Exactly!!
@ 816, stevie10703:
Probably not. What does race have to do with this, anyway?
I think that people are just jealous that their team doesn’t have a chance to get Kovy.
And I think (not me, I love the Isles) that it’s “the cool thing to do” to hate and bash the Islanders. Seems that’s all people do now-a-days.
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If Frolov, Gagne and Torres have AVERAGE years they are 13 goals better than Kovalchuk’s BEST year. The rebuild can continue. Which young forwards are you taking spots away from. Are you expecting Petrov, Martin, or whoever else to be ready. Why rush the young guys and ruin them. What is wrong with the thinking here. Zach Parise spent a couple of years on the farm for New Jersey and has outscored Kovalchuk the past two years. Does anyone think Lamoirello is going to give Parise 10 million. No more than 7.5 and that is what he deserves. Let’s pay Kovalchuk 2.5 million more per year for a guy who is going to put up the same numbers or better. Does that make sense?
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To Vic at Poat 809, I also had similar thoughts of picking up Frolov, Gagne and bringng back Raffi. I like your thinking. However, Gagne is a problem…I’ve played hockey my entire life and I have had the same “sports hernia” injury that gagne has. Despite having the same great surgeon, you are never the same after going through that procedure. If we can get kovi and escalate the rebuild…let’s get it done!
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Career years for Gagne, Frolov, and Torres would get us 48 from Gagne, 36 from Frolov, and 28 from Torres. The total combined for the three would be 112 goals Will. That is 60 goals BETTER than Kovalchuk’s best year. I don’t expect career years out of any of the three but combined together in average year they will DEFINITELY outscore Kovalchuk.
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Are you guys forgetting we would have to trade for Gagne and he would have to waive his NTC to come here?
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For everyone adding up goals by other players to reach Kovy’s output: where are you getting the ice time from? Silly argument.
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TonyO says:
The suspense is killing me. If they sign him, I am hoping they can avoid the 10 year / 100 million. Not so much the money but it is the length of the contract that worries me. 10 years is a long time should this does not work out for us. We have seen this before and yes, I know we should not and cannot compare the two players. But why not offer 11M for 8 years? Kovy will be 35 when the contract is up. Still young enough to get another lucrative FA contract.
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ODG. I agree with you that you are never the same once you have surgery on any body part. It’s just not the same. I don’t expect Gagne to hit 47 goals again but I do think he is capable of scoring 30-35 goals on Tavare’s line. I don’t deny Kovalchuk’s elite talent but i don’t think he is ANYWHERE near the 10 million that he is asking for let alone for 10 years. We have to think long term and what makes us better for the next 10 years not the next one. Salary cap issues will become a problem in 2-3 years. Look at Chicago and they DON’T have one person making anywhere near 10 million. They had to get rid of all those players and will be nowhere near the Stanley Cup Finals next year because they gave a ridiculous contracts (ie. Hossa at 7.9 million a year) and we want to give Kovalchuk 10 million!
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We are going to be laughing stocks if we sign Kovalchuk to that contract and Dean Lombardi will be genius’ for getting Gagne. Word is already out that Lombardi is looking to get Gagne because Kovalchuk’s asking price is ridiculous. There is a reason LA has so many good young talents. Garth, let’s not be Sather and more like Lamoirello.
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vic, we don’t know the terms of him waiving. He could have a list of allowed teams, a lot of players do it that way.
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Jack. Absolutely, but the first step is to waive the no trade which he has done. He may have a list and he might not but your comment said he had to waive his no trade clause which he already has done as of July 3.
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Since this seems to be taking more and more time, how likely is it that K. is deciding if he should go back to Russia/KHL. Its been reported that he is a family man with 3 young kids, I imagine he’d like them to grow up with knowledge and experience of his/their homeland. The money is there. . . . but if he wants to participate in a Stanley cup win ???
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Call me crazy, but I like Simone Gagne. Every time I watch a game, he has good size, always buzzing around the net, and scores timely goals. I really do want Kovie here, I really do, but being an Islander fan, I am a little worried. Let’s look at the facts: Kovie is a young goal scorer who will most definitely raise our goal production, and also should easily help us make the playoffs. However, he was never a “company man”, so to speak. Our young core of guys really seem to like playing with each other, and for each other. Ilya seams to be a little selfish. I don’t want him changing the dynamic of this team, I want him to help take us to the next level. A one man team rarely works. I don’t want Garth saying we cannot sign J.T, and Okposo in a few years because they have no more money. If these fears of mine are not justified, than absolutely, unequivocaly, want him on the Isle. If I were Garth, instead of waiting to see if Kovie wants to play for the Isles, I would have a nice long talk with him to see if we want him here, not the other way around. Last I checked, WE are the ones shelling out the big bucks. I have faith in you garth!
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Barry says:
I like everyone else here hopes this happens but as any true blue Islanders fan knows we have been down this road many times before and have been snubbed. Take th Ryan Smyth rental trade fiasco a few years ago. I am not trying to be a downer but do you all really think he is going to come here? We are NOT contenders. This has Ryan Smyth written all over it unfortunately
Stay tuned I guess. -
Matt says:
Can one of the last ten posters explain to me how they know the Islanders are going to offer 10 years 10 million? Everyone that is saying they dont want Kovalchuk is not getting the big picture here. We just drafted a guy first overall last year and he is projected to be a 40 goal a year guy….. 50 goal scorers do not come around that often. He is 27 and is coming into his prime….. its a no brainer
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Richie66 says:
Can we start a new thread, using a iPhone and having to scroll all the way down is such a pain, tks
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Justin Marques says:
The fact that you guys are trying to convince yourself that Gagne will hit 40+ goals this season is completely ridiculous. When is the last time he stayed healthy? And when is the last time a mid-30′s player is considered “part of any rebuild?” Leave Gagne and his $5.25 million salary alone in Philadelphia. As for Torres, he is a player that the Islanders should sign regardless of whether or not they land Kovalchuk. We need another third-liner who can play on the penalty kill, and he can actually put back 15 goals a season, which isn’t too bad at all. As for Frolov, I am still skeptical, but he may be a nice addition if Kovalchuk comes. You bring in Kovalchuk, Frolov, and Torres, and you have a pretty damn good team here on Long Island in 2010-2011.
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Gagne is 30 and not mid 30′s (ie. 35)and a 30 year old can be a valuable part of the rebuild. Gagne also scored 34 goals 2 seasons ago. Did we have anyone that scored 34 goals this year? NOT!
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#840 Justin Marques Said. You bring in Kovalchuk, Frolov, and Torres, and you have a pretty damn good team here on Long Island in 2010-2011.
I agree without a doubt..
And tickets sales would jump 800%..
I thought Wang was a good business man, im begining to think not -
Gagne may have scored 34 goals 2 seasons ago, but I’m sure the team around him had something to do with it.
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handlanger says:
Gange was also injured about 735 times in the last 2 years…
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Justin, We know nothing about this situation. We are riding on rumors, agent B.S, and lot’s of wishing and hoping. For god’s sake, we already have him paired on a line with J.T and Okie! All I am saying is that Yes, he would be a great addition, but not at the expense of our solid young prospects who were born Islanders. If his mentality is gee, I really would rather go anywhere else but The Isles are offering the most money, then—I do not want him. If his thought process is, you know, they have quite a group of young studs on the Isle. I know if I play there we can really make some noise! then, by all means–I WANT HIM HERE.
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I hope the Isles give a time limit to their offer and don’t get played. I’d rescind the offer after tonight and notify the media as well so he can’t use the Islanders.
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hes doing what every other superstar from any other sport would do at free agency stage, he’s no different.He playing the sad sorry sap teams like the Isles to bump up his value..Snow and most Isles fans know we’re not getting him, we wont even get Frolov…Its the Isles we’re taking about boys….
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Offer him $11 million 6 years…one time offer, you have 24 hrs to decide. That would get it done and elimate his agent playing us off on another team.
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I’m setting my sights lower now. If they can’t sign him for a reasonable number for reasonable years, then I’m ok with bringing in Frolov and Asham. I’d pass on Raffi, he was a healthy scratch during the playoffs, thats a red flag for me.
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The post says NOTHING close to Ilya confirming he’s resigning. There are 2 articles and they both state what we all have heard, thanks to CB:
NO DEAL FOR KINGS, and the Devils are in the hunt..
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LOL …. CB just tapped out for a while. Enjoy Botts!
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Tom 27 says:
Thanks for your insight CB enjoy your summer. Will check in to see what happens
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Dan: Looks like it got deleted. He quoted the NY Post, I can’t find anything on their website backing his claim. So I think it’s BS.
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Schultz39 says:
Sign him – he’s what this organization needs for so many reasons and this will not hurt us in the future – if Wang can get his arena built, in a few years when the young kids will need their next big contract, we’ll have room to pay them.
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860- Thanks I looked too and couldn’t find anything…I hope its BS I want to see Ilya in an Islanders sweater.
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If Kovalchuk is smart he will announce the deal befor Wednesday because it will get way more press than if he waits for LeBron to sign. He waited this long, the spotlight is on him. I have a bad feeling.There is a proven track record of dissapointment with this franchise. God I hope I’m wrong
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D. says:
@860 “Dan: Looks like it got deleted. He quoted the NY Post, I can’t find anything on their website backing his claim. So I think it’s BS.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if the post did speculate something like that… they’re so biased.
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Steve M says:
all it says on the NYP is that the “devils close in on kovalchuk” …nothing special. It just says that they are a big contender and what not. Hopefully nothing to worry about
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Not another week of this CB please. I agree with 856 and the one time offer.
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AM says:
Well CB, that last post might be today-
@Jay_Grossman Ilya Kovalchuk looking to make decision on his future today
could get crazy here
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just saw that – the link posted isn’t working for me…unless you all crashed it already! haha..i simply cannot concentrate today with this.
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Monday, July 05, 2010 – From northnj.com
Kovalchuk to make decision on future todayIlya Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, tweeted today that his client is “looking” to make a decision today on where he will sign.
As soon as he does, I will post it.
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Swan says:
Please. No Frolov or Torres. Please.
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#867…confirmed via Twitter…hang onto your hats folks…dont forget, these are the Islanders we are talking about here. Fingers, toes and everything I can cross is crossed! LOL
Jay_Grossman
Ilya Kovalchuk looking to make decision on his future today….www.puckagency.com
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bossjones1 says:
No matter what it costs this move would pay for itself, merchandise, tickets, Lighthouse etc. In the short term it’s brilliant, much of the pressure would come off the kids and having a Russian superstar would tone down Kabanov and perhaps sway Petrov to finally come over. Long term it could be trouble but this team needs some good news now. Keeping my fingers crossed!
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Russian paper just confirmed
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I have to go now. So you know what that means? Ilya will make his decision when I can not get near my computer or I phone. Oh well, less stress I guess. NOT!!!
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What did the russian paper just confirm?
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I’m glad this madness will end now. Glad to hear that 10 year 100 million dollar contract doesn’t exist. I don’t think he’ll sign with us and am not sure it’s even the right move for a rebuilding franchise, but I’d still be excited if he came to Long Island. On to prospect camp!
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Kovy is signing with a team today…
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Decision is coming sometime this afternoon. Not sure if EST or PST
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How much you want to bet it’s the devs? All this energy for nothing. It’s the friggen shmevils led by a geriatric broduer.
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nystrom23 says:
Anyone know what the devils cap space is? I can’t see them signing Kovy unless they trade BOTH rolston and zubrus….parise is gonna command at least 8 million next season
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nystrom23-I agreee, and I don’t see them getting both deals done today if he’s ready to make the decision already…HE WANTS THE MONEY AND WE GOT IT.
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I have a bad feeling it’s the Devils, also.
They have pretty much better everything when compared with us
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Devs are at 55.4 leaves them with 4.7mil. This is from capgeek.com. He’d have to take way less from devs than Isles. This should be an open and shut case for Isles and the fact that it isn’t should worry those Isles fans that want him to sign with us.
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BrianProvidence says:
I’ve just refreshed this page about 35 times during my lunch break…Hopefully I wont get in too much trouble when I continue to do so back at work…Oh well, I should be off today anyway!
Keeping my fingers crossed for 7 yrs/77 mil
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The Devils are about $3.75M under the cap. They can go up to 10% over as long as they get back down by opening day. The cap is a shade under $60M I believe so that means they could add about $6M to that $3.75 for a total of $9.75M. The move would mean Zubrus would have to be moved for sure, maybe even one more contract would have to go.
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Come on people. Reports were that Wang would be willing to make a mega-deal pitch to Kovy…some said 10 year for 10 mil. That has to mean something doesn’t it?
Besides if LA pulled out, that means that they cant come close to matching what he’s asking for…and I highly doubt the Devils can either. It’s gotta be the Isles. Gotta be. Please be.
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Brooks Simpson says:
To all those who cite the Chicago example … Let’s win one cup before we complain about not being able to win two.
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I’ve already heard of three free agents who took less money to play elsewhere and that was just the ones we know about.
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Why do I get the feeling it’s going to be LA? Naaah. It’s the Devils.
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Just to clarify that’s just my feelings. I’m not saying that’s his decision. Didn’t mean to confuse anyone.
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Steve G says:
the devs have alittle over 2 mill in cap space, they would need to clear some contracts out to give kovi what he wants. who would they clear though? this is why the isles make the most sense to go out and sign him for what he wants.
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Chris R says:
Kovy will be making a mistake if he resigns with the devils. In 2 years, Brodeur and Elias will retire. AFter that point, it will be similiar to his stint with the thrashers.
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Kovalchuk is holding us hostage. we should build by draft,not cowtow to this greedy russian brat.Hope he goes to the KHL, and we can all get on with life
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Check to see if the Isles have there ticket reps on standy. A signing like this will produce ticket sales, so if they are waiting, it’s a good sign he’s coming to Long Island
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To 886 – I could care less if he holds us hostage as long as he is coming here. I know he hasn’t been a winner in the past, but this is the thing that this team needs in order to finally take the next step. Sign Kovy and Corvo/Sutton and ride the team to the 5/6 spot in the playoffs and a chance to actually get out of the first round!
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NY Post source speculates that the Devils will sign Kovalchuk today for 7 yrs, $60m and thta the Isles have not offered 10 yrs, $100m. Hopefully the Isles can still sign him, although the Isles’ did have the highest offers for other free agents who signed elsewhere.
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were we played?
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I just saw puck daddy’s tweets and the Post article. Damn those Devils…Volchenkov and now maybe Kovalchuk. I can’t take it.
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Devils have cap issues and Kings do not. I agree with Islandersfan4ever. Let him go to the KHL for the 10 million he is asking for. Anywhere around 7.5 I would sign him though. I still say trade for Gagne, and sign Frolov and Torres. This would improve our team more than just Kovalchuk and cost about the same as his 10 million that he is asking for.
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but where are the devils getting that cap room from?!
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Sounds like the only place where there is much ‘action’ on this matter is here in the responses! Lets GO Islanders, in July, already!!!!
We are the best fanbase, ANYWHERE! -
Can’t believe the Devils would spend that kind of money. One thing you can guarantee: If the Devils sign him, they will never be serious contenders for the Cup. He cannot thrive in that system.
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No we aren’t played. Garth doesn’t play with the fans. He knows the backlash if we don’t get him. Remember last year’s draft party? Garth knew they all were coming to celebrate JT…he’s gonna make a strong offer if he hasn’t already, and I think Kovy is thinking about it.
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Steve M says:
Puck Daddy’s tweets scare me a little bit. They are thinking of trading Elias and a No.1 (pick I think) to wherever his NTC will let him go. We’ll see what happens, but if the devils sign him, I’m going to be veryyyy upset.
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What amazes me is that the Isles need to sign Kovi just to get the cap floor and the Devils can sign him while going over the cap which is ok since this is the summer. The league seriously needs to change the next CBA because I think this is a joke that teams can do this.
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#893…unless lou wants a big uproar from his fans…there is no way they are trading elias
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According to Jeff Marek, it’s over. He’s a devil for the next 7 years. Thought he wanted to sign with a winning team, not with a team whose once decent players are now old men. Not to mention a team with only two decent prospects and a farm system that was completely depleted to bring him there in the first place. Oh well.
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Kovalchuk is going back to the Devils…7 years $60 million
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2277 says:
my finger is glued to the refresh button, this is making me nuts!
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No interest in Gagne or Torres. Tons of interest in big tough d-men that the Isles still haven’t acquired and a big center but doubt that one will happen.
On Kovi, people have made the excellent point what will NJ be when their core players retire and it is valid. Also, right now who is going to center the guy? They don’t have a center on their roster right now that could match Tavares.
Also, NJ has a rookie head coach who if you remember him as a player and you know the NJ system they always use and that Broduer insist on (you might remember he wasn’t as good under Sutter when he changed it) that is not what Kovi wants.
If it comes down to money NJ cannot match us.
I hope Wang and Snow have worked him hard and let him no for all reasons this is the best spot for him.
The Islanders cannot afford to lose this battle for so many reasons.
If they do they are going to have to make trades. They are going to have to anyway for defense.
I think NJ doesn’t have to clear cap space right now to sign him, I think they have to by later this summer. I doubt Lou wants to sign Kovi and then try trading players when everyone knows you have to.
Isles cannot afford not to win this. I pray it is them. I think it is interesting that the day the Isles got in it basically forced LA out. I do not think NJ could have matched LA’s money so I am hoping it is a good sign.
We need good news in Isles country, could you imagine if this week is the week we get Kovi and the Lighthouse?
I think Kovi makes sense for another reason, for those developers in other areas looking to entice the Isles there, if the Isles have another major star then those developers will only make their offers to Wang more enticing.
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Katie Strang tweets that the Post is saying Kovy to Devils 7 years, $60M.
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Oh well.. stick to the plan I guess.. looking forward to next years draft party!!!
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Scott says:
tweet from real espn says kovy to devils for 60mill for 7 years
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The Devils got him…About 70 hours of wasted effort from us fans
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Joe says:
One source on Kovalchuk and the Islanders: “Wherever he goes, it won’t be there.”
adater @mirtle sounding more and more like Isles “offer” was a fraud
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Bigboo317 says:
He said yes to the devils trade last year because he thought he would win a cup there… He has t know they haven’t made it past the second round in a few years and that Broduer is on the way out… The Isles have the money and are a team on the rise…. The devils have to make a strong push for a shorter deal with hopes of a championship while the Isles can give him anything he wants… Common sense says it will be us…. But very little has worked out for us in the past few years……. Keeping the fingers crossed
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kitty says:
JD: Would you feel the same way if it was the isles and not the devils in the situation?
And nystrom23, would you really be hurt if you said so long to an aging elias for a younger, better player?
Devils can get it done. Short term its the smarter move. Long term, Isles have the brighter future – tho lou has always been able to put together winners. We’ll see if he can do that without marty tho
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Another “insiders” twitter: Kovy definitely NOT going to Isles couple insiders told me
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Doubting Thomas says:
IF THEY DONT GET A SIGNED CONTRACT
WE’VE (THE FANS) BEEN PLAYED LIKE
A $2 VIOLIN -
This is for the best. Signing players to long term contracts is not an essential for a rebuilding team. Guarantee you Ilya regrets this, though. Devils are on the decline, in my eyes.
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Looking forward to training camp Saturday night..
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James says:
The post article is claiming we havent made an offer. How can they really know if we did or not. All I no is that Garth best make some offer because if it comes out that we actually put the offer on the table and takes a 7 yr 60 mill contract when we can giv a lot more ill be furious
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901, my only point is that why does the league have a hard salary cap if its nots enforced throughout the offseason. I just think its giving teams loopholes to sign players. Its all a mute point now anyway since it appears the Devils won the sweepstakes.
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am i the only one confused?
eversons article..written an hour ago..in the post says the devils have the inside track..nowhere does it say he accepted or signed or anything.
please kovy, be an islander.
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more good news –
Matt Moulson will be filing for arbitration today, his agent just confirmed
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pnut says:
No one has insider info, if they did then why dont they (the sources) open up to the masses. People that “know” people, i don’t believe that all.
Botta seems like he has the info here. (like Chris being correct that 10/100 is not necessarily needed to sign him, etc.) I am glad that this will get done now or in a week. Whatever i am over the speculation.
Good for you Mr Botta, this is why i come to IPB. Great job CB! -
I KNEW it was too good to be true. They should still persue Frolov and Asham
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According to Katie Strang, in Non-Kovalchuck news Matt Moulson will be filing for arbitration as his agent confirmed it as posted on Twitter
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We can’t start blaming the Isles for playing us fans. Give your head a shake. Kovy had a choice. A new rink, a stable franchise and a chance to win vs a team with a crappy rink and crazy ownership that lets a TV show dude make the 2nd selection……it’s a circus show and we need to shed that perception before we win deals like this. PERIOD
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#894 – well said, and very much agreed.
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Devils its done. Another hoodwinking, Another quality Production brought to you by Wang & Snow Inc.
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NO KOVI says:
NY Post is reporting KOVI to the DEVILS for $60M over 7 years
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Kovalchuk will realize his mistake when he hasn’t won jack in three years with the Devs, Brodeur whithers and retires and the Isles are the new Blackhawks/Pens as they are going deeper and deeper into the playoffs every year, and eventually, win the Cup.
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Hey Joe, you have a lot of “insiders” on Twitter. The most ironic part about everything is that not once has Lou, in all his years of being a general manager, ever released any information regarding any negotiations he has had with his clients and their agents. All of a sudden all of this information is coming from the media and “private” sources, yet none of it is substantiated or backed by evidence. The fact that Ilya Kovalchuk is still a free agent should tell you absolutely everything you need to know. If the Montreal Canadiens or Dallas Stars were to call today to make an offer, you bet your ass they’d have a legitimate shot at as well. The fact that the Islanders were even mentioned in it lets you know everything you need to know, and whether or not he signs with the Devils, these “sources” don’t know anything regarding Lou Lamoriello and his negotiations with Jay Grossman and Ilya Kovalchuk.
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I don’t know how anyone can blame snow or wang for Kovalchuk not signing here..that’s absurd in my opinion
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PS – Nothing has been confirmed yet. The New York Post, not known for its tremendous accuracy regarding anything, has stated through a blogger who does not follow the Devils that they may have the inside track. Nowhere does it say it’s done, and nowhere does it claim to be even in the final stages.
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TSN is now using the NY Post article as its source for the signing……if this goes down….I’m kissing my seasons goodbye next year……this is absolutely ridiculous….maybe I’ll move to Philly and become a Flyers fan…at least they can still make the Cup finals
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@NYP_Brooksie As always, Snow played coy. As always. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
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Outside of the Isles, The Kings would have been a better fit for him than the Devils
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This was a PR ploy Wang/Snow will say if we had a new building in the works and if Murray had been more cooperative, Kovalchuk and all the other UFAs wouldve signed here. Not saying I think thats true, thats just the angle they are going to play. God Bless all you guys who continue to waste money supporting Wang/Snows BS.
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Agreed. Even though Devils got him I think either the Isles or Kings would have been a better fit.
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I think I am the only one on this blog who didn’t see a problem with Kevin Connolly announcing the 30th pick. Maybe I’ve been a fan so long I’m being brainwashed.
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So who do the devils get rid of to get under the cap?
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NY Post has never been an Islander supporter.
Volchenkov being a Grossman client worries me a bit.
Let’s look at a few things.
1) As Botta stated if Wang wants him he can have him. He just needs to put the best offer on the table. He can do it, he should do it, and if he doesn’t do it he still some how is going to have to add a lot of salary to the roster before the season starts per the CBA.2) With the Isles letting the news get out and not denying it they have to win it. Other wise it is another embarassement and didn’t serve any purpose to the franchise.
3)If Kovi does sign with NJ then perhaps Snow can pick Lou’s pocket for some players but I don’t really know what they have worth having not named Parise. I doubt Lou would want to part with Parise but he’ll be RFA next year.
Just get it done!
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IslesUlster1992 says:
Even Logan “knew” the Isles would pick Duchene. Think about that when you consider these “insiders”.
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How can anybody here complain even if he did resign with Devils at $8.5 million per. Lou the Smuckers boy was hoping to get away cheap and the price got driven up to where they have to offload players. And then he’s got Parise to worry about. You think HE’s not going to want $8.5 too?
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its on TSN as well now (although using the NY Post story) so I’d say it’s official.
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Everyone who is breaking the news that the Devils have signed Kovi is pretty much retweeting the nypost info. No other writer/blogger has confirmed this yet. Even WFAN just reported the Kovi signing but they are just quoting the NY Post. Maybe we do have hope.
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To go back to the Devs is just insane. The Kings I can see. Easily. The Devs system and their future should have prohibited him from resigning there. Makes no sense. The only thing i question is i keep seeing that there was no offer from the Isles of 10 at 10. So what, if ever there WAS one, was the “offer”? Anyone?
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FourCupsin4yearsnot60 says:
TSN confirms 7 years $60Mil to Devils.
Ok, so what is our next step to get to the floor? Perhaps whoever the Devils have to dump?
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Well if you were an NHL free agent, who would you go to? The Islanders or the Devils?
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Well, LA is now apparently not interested in Gagne, so maybe we can get him?
He’s better than nothing, no?
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we don’t even know if there was an offer made so if he does sign with the islanders it was a last minute thing
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I love how SOME Islanders fans keep posting about the Islanders “crazy ownership” and “fraud” back-up goalie GM.
Really…??? If it wasn’t for this so called “Crazy Owner”… there wouldn’t even be a NEW YORK ISLANDERS to debate about.
Let’s give Wang a little credit where credit is due, along with Snow and Co. They’ve stabilized this organization for the near and far future the past 3 years despite some fans ad nauseam protest otherwise.
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Just read reports he’s signing with the Devils — 7 years, $60 million….
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islestherapy says:
ny post reporting kovy signs with devs 60 mil over 7 years. we suck.
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your all saying he signed but there is no story on nhl.com if it says it on that site it will confirm it
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Just looking at comment #888 makes my blood boil! Ny 711 ot #651 was dead on!! If he signs with the Devils,who barely can fit him into their Cap situation,would make the Isles appear even more feeble and irrelevant an Organization the are perceived to be now. Whether the excitement here resulting from an honest effort to acquire this guy or just another BS PR ruse to appease us,Garth and Charles have gone too far this time. They MUST use their unenviable Cap position and go more than a furlong beyond the Devils and anyone else. More like 2 miles would be accurate. The automatic disadvantage the Isles are at amongst their competition is obviously not perception,but hard ugly reality. Given close dollars,Ilya will ultimately look at our Isles in the rear view mirror. Charles is literally going to have to pay for our irrelevance and lousy culture and pay dearly. How else can he escape the hell hole he and his diehard fanbase are in. I asked you yesterday what you defined as extending an offer to Kovy he cannot refuse. Today you stated Charles doesn’t have to offer 10mil per for 10 years to get his man. I would appreciate your response? If not 10mil/10 years,then what? Again,due to our status in the League and its players eyes and mind,elite players MUST be blown away!! I think I can speak for many if this doesn’t get done now. Garth and Charles has tested our passion and tugged at our hearts one too many times here. I for one am at wits end with the carelessness exhibited throughout the years. I don’t know if I will have any passion or trust left to invest,should this blow up in our face!! We are 9mil UNDER THE CAP FLOOR,dammit!!! If we gave the guy 15mil for the next 10 years,we would only be 4mil over the Cap!!! GET IT DONE FOR ONCE!!!!!! Under these circumstances,the Devils signing him will show the NHL world we for all intents and purposes might as well call home Siberia. That is how irrelevant we will have become!!!!
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“reports” mean nothing until it is confirmed. The NY Post article is what has sparked all of this talk about him signing with the Devils. That was 1 article.
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iwantedkovy says:
its on tsn
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HAHA – they changed the heading of the NY post article to –
Kovalchuk decision expected today; Devils still favorites
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We’re not all saying; just two of us so far. And NHL.com only confirms when all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed. Looks like we lost this one….
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it ain’t just a report he’s staying with nj…WE SUCK!
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If the Devils offer is $60 for 7 years then what’s the Islanders price after we pay our free agent premium? 7 years, $67M?
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@ doc, yeah they stabilized it all right. Very stable. umhuum
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If they never tendered an offer, and all it was was a phone call, or as some reports state, “conversations”, what good does THAT do ANYbody?? Either do or do not. Their is no “try”.
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the islanders should just offer 2 years 26 mill overpay him hell get another shot at f.a in 2 years
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per LeBrun ESPN: Worth reminding that Post story didn’t say it was done, but rather that Devils had “inside track.”
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The Post didn’t say he signed with NJ, just that they have the inside track.
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rookie92 says:
Nothing posted on Grossmans twitter account yet. Still a possibility but wouldn’t keep my hopes up.
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Although I believe the devils will end up with Kovalchuk, until Darren Dreger or Pierre Lebrun report its official there is still hope
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reports on TSN he is on verge of signing with Devils. I am so deflated. Nothing to say.
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I am not buying crap out of the NY Post, the NY Times or now even Newsday and I’m not just talking sports stories but in all stories politics, alleged global warming etc they have been proven to lie in order to support a cause, group or person. Plus, the Times at least is lobbying Congress for a bailout. I think if no one wants to read you you go out of business. Adapt or die.
Anyway, Grossman his agent hasn’t reported it and until he or another reliable source does Kovi hasn’t signed.
Wang saved the Islanders please give him some credit.
If Kovi doesn’t sign with the Isles it really reinforces a point I’ve made about Snow, he can’t seem to get things done. He can make trades for draft picks, he drafts well, usually signs quality FA’s but trades, taking advantage of teams in cap trouble, luring big time FA’s he hasn’t been able to do any of it. Ya he traded for Smyth years ago but what since?
He has to show he can get the deals done.
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Isles should have offered him more if that NYPOST report is true. He’s the guy you throw the bank too……I cant believe the isles didnt sign this guy. So typical for isles country……get your hopes up, only to be pushed down further.
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Dreger at TSN quotes NY Times soures – Kovi to NJ 8 yrs 60 mil. Will know soon for sure
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Isles99 says:
#933…Well said my friend. Well said.
The sad part is that you claim “I don’t know if I will have any passion or trust left to invest..”
I am sure like the rest of us, sadly you will return like a beaten dog. -
LeBrun reporting Kovy to Devils for $60 Mil over 7 years. Unconfirmed.
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Matt S says:
A newspaper also once claimed that Dewey beat Truman.
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Sooooooo….you’re saying there’s a chance?
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This is starting to remind me of the Roenick offer sheet back in the day. A lot of sizzle and no steak.
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this is embarrassing.
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The devils are signing the likes of Volchenkov and Kovalchuk, and the isles get PA Parenteau………how typical.
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NY Post has changed the headline…now reads that the devils are the “Favorites” and not expected to sign with devils
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Bri on Li says:
if Kovy had made his decision last week, we wouldn’t be having this discussion, and we wouldn’t give much thought to the FA signings of Mr. Wang & Mr. Snow. Now, instead, our hearts are racing at the thought of possibly picking up one of the best free agents available in the last few years. I don’t see what there is to complain about (except the heat. It’s like africa hot. It never gets this hot in Brooklyn.)
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He’s going back to the Devils for crying out loud. This pipe dream is over. Move on.
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Diego says:
kovy to the devils 7 yrs 60 mil…pretty good bargain for them…at least the madness is over
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TSN has picked up story also on front page.
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Post# 1000 wins a Ilya Kovalchuk hockey card
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To Devs, confirmed.
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Where in any article does it say that Kovy already made his decision… It says he will make a decision. Assuming that the decision was made already is just that … an assumption… Hang tight guys n gals … It isn’t the end of the world if he’s not coming to the Island … but I think for the Devils … It’s an uncanny gamble seeing that they are on the downside of their dominance. Broudy’s in the sunset of his career … and very mortal now.
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Just looking at comment #888 makes my blood boil! Ny 711 ot #651 was dead on!! If he signs with the Devils,who barely can fit him into their Cap situation,would make the Isles appear even more feeble and irrelevant an Organization the are perceived to be now. Whether the excitement here resulting from an honest effort to acquire this guy or just another BS PR ruse to appease us,Garth and Charles have gone too far this time. They MUST use their unenviable Cap position and go more than a furlong beyond the Devils and anyone else. More like 2 miles would be accurate. The automatic disadvantage the Isles are at amongst their competition is obviously not perception,but hard ugly reality. Given close dollars,Ilya will ultimately look at our Isles in the rear view mirror. Charles is literally going to have to pay for our irrelevance and lousy culture and pay dearly. How else can he escape the hell hole he and his diehard fanbase are in. I asked you yesterday what you defined as extending an offer to Kovy he cannot refuse. Today you stated Charles doesn’t have to offer 10mil per for 10 years to get his man. I would appreciate your response? If not 10mil/10 years,then what? Again,due to our status in the League and its players eyes and mind,elite players MUST be blown away!! I think I can speak for many if this doesn’t get done now. Garth and Charles has tested our passion and tugged at our hearts one too many times here. I for one am at wits end with the carelessness exhibited throughout the years. I don’t know if I will have any passion or trust left to invest,should this blow up in our face!! We are 9mil UNDER THE CAP FLOOR,dammit!!! If we gave the guy 15mil for the next 10 years,we would only be 4mil over the Cap!!! GET IT DONE FOR ONCE!!!!!! Under these circumstances,the Devils signing him will show the NHL world we for all intents and purposes might as well call home Siberia. That is how irrelevant we will have become!!!!(Followup) I cannot believe this to be true!!! The NY Post has no credibility!!! If it is,either Kovy can’t see a reflection of the Isles in a mirror or our gang is full of you know what!!!! In either case,my hope and trust is gone!!!!!
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if he signs with the devs so be it.iam happy we made a push for him.if players don’t want to come here screw them.i have no problem letting the young players develop.i will continue to support my team.lets go islanders!!1
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Our mgmt is full of you know what, this was a BS PR stunt, and now they are back to square 1, laughing stock of the league.
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northadam says:
#951 by who?
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After this is all over, I hope we get the truth to what the Isles offered and what the Kings offered or if there were any other teams in the mix..
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just a thought. where is that 8.0+/year million fitting in the devils salary cap?
love to sign kovy, happy the team chased him, lets see what happens.
i dont care about the teams perception. i care about the team winning. 09/10 featured more wins and points then 08/09. i expect we will win a few more games in 10/11 then 09/10. winning makes perspective.
if he takes less money to sign with jersey, then its not about the money, its about winning right now. gotta respect that of a pro player. -
Brian says:
As per LeBrun’s twitter the NY Post headline has changed, just says the Dev’s are favorites now.
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Kings offered 7 years/75million
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jg29 says:
TSN is reporting that the isles never made a formal offer. what a joke Wang Fraud!!
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Al L, you’re fingers sore? Step away from the ledge dude.
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Steve M says:
it is not confirmed. NHL.com has not reported it yet, and neither has TSN on their 2010 sortable FA tracker. Give me a break, until it is confirmed by either one of those sources, I don’t believe these posts. Anyone can post here, even non-Isles fans, so don’t believe anything until it is confirmed by a true source.
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I love how some fans will even criticize an attempt to land a top flight free agent. Sometimes I feel sorry for Garth. Damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t.
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If the Kings offered 7 years at 75 mill, why would he go to the Devs for less?!?
And there is NO confirmation yet. None. Just maybes and tweets stating that they’re “sure”.
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Do your self a favor everyone … track the Bergen Record and Newark Star Ledger … Not the Post. The Bergen Record & Star Ledger is to the Devils what Newsday is to the Isles.
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Paul says:
TSN article says “New York Islanders indicated some interest in the Russian sniper but reportedly never made a formal offer.”
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960: Amen.
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all this reminds me of friday night when we got in on the kovy sweepstakes. all of a sudden there was a deal in the works. One source says something and it starts all this comotion. Every site that was saying kovy to devs were using the post as the source. This is probably why the post changed the headline
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If the Kings did offer that it is 10.71 per year. He would have not liked the term, because at that age it would be hard for him to get another big pay day.
Someone mentioned how many new followers his agent got on Twitter since the Isles news broke watch how many he loses if Kovi doesn’t sign with the Isles.
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well said #963
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Come to the Isles Kovy II!!!!!!
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They are reporting that the LA offer that was turned down was 4 yrs 36 million. Who knows what’s true at this point, but if that is true the NJD “deal” might just be a way to get more money out of LA…
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John T. - Halifax, NS says:
TSN is saying 7 years for 60 mill to the Devils
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This is the fourth free agent to spurn the Isles in a week. No one wants to play in that building, and Charles will have to invest $8 million in mutts just to reach the salary floor.
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keep in mind that all the speculation is based on the NY Post article that just backed off to considering the devils the favorites. Until it’s confirmed, it’s still wide open.
I still believe he will end up with the Devils, but until I see confirmation we still have hope.
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D’OH
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…or us
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Alright guys, lets skip the Ilya post-mortem chit-chat and address the real burning question now — how in the heck are the Isles going to make up $9 million in cap floor space??
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vigs says:
$8.5 mil per year is about as high as I would want the Isles to go. Garth should come back with one extra year – 8 yrs $68 mil. If the Devils still win the Kovy sweepstakes, then at the very least it forces the them to cut salary elsewhere.
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Rich Chere Devils beat writer at the Star Ledger in last posting at 1:48 says that nothing has happened yet. He cites the Post as saying it has … but he hasn’t gotten confirmation … and Grossman hasn’t returned calls.
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Devils fans look like they are going nuts like Isles’ fans on Ledger comments section.
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TSN reports the Isles made no official offer. We are now in an opposite Cap position, where we must take on salary to get to the cap floor. This might be worse than being over. Do we overpay for minimal talent or absorve castoff salary from other teams? This situation could really set the team and interests of the Isles way back.
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DF says:
#1022…Frolov 5 years/$25 Million…and maybe bring in a PK expert also…I would have gone all in with Kovalchuk…10 years $100 million…
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Jeff – CB didn’t report that he isn’t going to the Islanders. He retweeted someone else who says they heard from someone else. That’s not reporting, he’s just passing along some heresay.
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@DF, I like your idea on Frolov there, although I think 5 years might be a bit much for him… I would’ve went all in on Ilya, too…. damn shame if Wang didn’t…
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It’s all BS until the deal is signed. As CB stated, if Garth and Wang really want this guy, they’ll make it happen. Kovy can’t be considering the Devils to long when Brodeur is at the end of his rope. Also, the Devils play a very defensive system which does not utilize Kovy to his fullest. I would think that Kovy is looking at the success of teams like Pitts and Chicago, and their growth in the past 5 years. He has to be looking at the Islanders as a team following the same trend. I honestly believe Kovy will end up here. You just gotta believe. That’s all we can do in Islander Country.
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Jeff in NH: Botta did not say that Botta was posting what the other Twitter user posted that is all.
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No deal has been signed,
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People are saying Atlanta is in the mix again for Kovy…1022-Agree with the others about Frolov and maybe bring back Sutton. That should be about 9 mil
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Law says:
—Jeff in NH on Jul 5th, 2010 14:40:28 said: CB reporting IK not going to Isles on twitter.—
No, CB was re-tweeting what someone else wrote.
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I really hope we pull this one off, 7 years $70 million and the key to Eisenhower Park.
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The Isles have NO chance whatsoever to sign any of these top free agents. NOBODY wants to play here. They either have to go after a RFA and blow them out of the water and hope the team won’t match (even if it angers the other team’s owner)or through a trade. Otherwise keep signing other teams castoffs. The franchise is joke if it did not even make an offer to Kovi. I just don’t understand how Snow could purposely leak the info and not even make an offer. If the Isles made a 9 year 95 million dollar offer Kovi would take it right away. He is not going to leave 35 million on the table. The Isles are joke and I don’t know how the fans can support the team anymore.
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how in the world are the Isles going to make the floor? I’d love picks and prospects coming the Isles way for salary dump guys like Souray, Hartnell, Huet, Elias. I have been hearing this is Garth’s plan for a while but I have seen nothing come to fruition.
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Dregger and TSN are just reporting what the NY Post is reporting which is 7 years 60 million.
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CB said on Twitter that Snow is in his office…he’s probably watching the 1981 replay on the NHL Network…Isles vs. Edmonton
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I stand corrected, thanks.
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hale78 says:
guys they’ll make the floor…schremp will cost a million..moulson 2 million..they will get to the floor..frolov maybe 4 or 5…it will happen
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Twitter is the end of polite society as we know it.
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bottom line the isles are a better team with kovy then gagne. kovy has his best years ahead of him, gagne’s best are behind him. he’s not durable. will not hold up on the islanders getting bashed way worse on the islanders then he ever did in philly. plus all kovy costs is money. gange would cost players and pics. this shouldnt even be an argument. better younger player costs no players, prospects or draft picks vs a less skilled smaller injury prone player who would cost you players, prospects, and picks. hmmm tough choice. if kovy dont work out and the isles must trade for a player go for bobby ryan. This team does not need gagne. i doubt gagne plays 80 games over the next two years combined.
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Dan from NJ says:
I think that the Post story was leaked to allow Garth to make his first/final offer on Kovy. Tell him 9 yrs/$90mil take it or leave it. Garth probably told Kovy’s agent when you get your best offer call me and I will give you yours. That’s what I think is happening now. We have the Devil’s final offer, now its Garth’s time to step up and present his offer, take it or leave it. I am fine if the Isles sign him or not. Just get it done Garth!
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From Capgeek: We are NOT that far under the $43 mil cap floor:
Comeau 650,000 Tavares 3,750,000 Hunter 2,000,000
Parenteau 600,000 Bailey 1,725,000 Okposo 1,671,667
Moulson (assume) 2,000,000 Nielson 525,000 (assume) Schremp 1,000,000
Gillies 500,000 (assume) Weight 2,000,000 Konopka 600,000
Streit 4,100,000 Eaton 2,500,000
Martinek 1,500,000 Jurcina 1,000,000
Gervais 740,833 MacDonald 550,000
Hillen 525,000
Roloson 2,500,000
DiPietro 4,500,000
Yashin 4,755,067Total = approx $41 mil
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After reading NY Post article, it’s hardly a done deal. They simply say that the Devils are the favorites, and it’s a possible 7 year deal for $60 million.
There’s still hope, and I’d certainly do that contract. But maybe the lights are dimming on Isles?
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May the glory of heaven shine down upon us in the form of Kovy, the Assassin. But, if not, no harm no foul. We’re just on a safer, slower, less exciting trajectory towards a return to respectablility.
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Chris in DC…I agree with you a 5 year contract for Frolov is too long but that’s what he’s asking. The Islanders have to be like the Mets when they paid Pedro Martinez the 4 year contract…they have to over pay for a few years until their young players are ready to take over the reins…we’re going to get Frolov for 5 years and we’ll be saying after Frolov and his 20 goals a season that maybe we should have gone all in for Kovalchuk…
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If the Devil’s offer is 7 for 60, then Garth should offer 8 for 75, front loaded
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Here is the story from the post saying we never made a offer.
The Islanders have indicated their interest in the 27-year-old superstar, but that same source says they did not make a formal bid of $100 million over 10 years.
So who do you believe?I wonder about snow and wang sometimes they were just looking foe publicity.Its embarrasing to the organization makes us look like a laughing stock I think we have to sign him and then other players will know we want to spend money and win then they will come here.Hope we sign him,Flolov and Torres,come on spend some money already…………..
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Bottom line is the insiders don’t know what Garth is going to do. If Snow is sensible and gives Kovy the contract he wants, somewhere in the ballpark of 10 mil a year over 7-10 years, the Islanders are serious players for him.
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Everything has gotten awfully quiet on the twitter front…
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I agree with Dan from NJ…Garth knows he has the $$$$, so he told Grossman to get all the best offers, then call us cause we’ll better it..by a ton….all the leaks and rumors are just a way to get other sides to blink first. The Isles have the upper hand, it just depends on what Kovy wants to do…
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Lol. You people are funny. You have no idea what is going on. I just hope this ends soon. I can’t take it anymore.
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I believe 1044 has it right.
Snow is in his office, Kovy’s agent got the Devs final offer, and now he’s calling Garth to find out what the Isles are willing to do.
Cross your fingers people.
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Why would Snow go public with his interest if the islanders never had any intention of making a formal offer?
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Dan says:
How can the devils fit him under the cap?
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I’d love to know how the islanders organization plans to hit the cap floor? Am I the only one that finds it pathetic (as i sent my last season ticket payment) that we are trying to hit the cap floor? Most “normal” teams are concerned with making the cap ceiling…..is this not embaressing or what?
What on earth are they going to do to reach the minimum???? The kovalchuk signing made total sense to me……they’re about 9 shmill under the floor and his signing would have got them above. They already have 8 dmen already signed, and 12 forwards…..am i the only one confused here?
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Hopefully the Isles are putting together a counter offer for Kovy right now. If they dont get him it will be a major let down especailly after all the hype. If he signs for anything less than 8 million per year than the islanders were not as serious as everyone thought. They can easily pay him what he wants but are choosing not to.
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Dan- Another Dan here…by trading half of their team
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Larry Brooks: Isles never made an offer. We were taken out back and beaten by our management.
A new low for a franchise that sets new lows by simply playing hockey.
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Nor reason to post anything Larry Brooks says. He’s a shill for the Rangers and he hates the Islanders. He’s also very rarely credible.
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Just sell the team you fraud Wang!
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UIF says:
The TSN story says the Isles never made an offer.
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Jeffb says:
Why do people keep on saying Frolov? There is no interest on either side.
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I thought it was pretty clear that there was never an offer made.
Unless that’s just because I’ve been obsessively checking this site.
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CB just tweeted, “Islanders never were the source of this supposed erroneous offer so have no obligation to refute it”. I guess this means Jay Grossman will come and say Isles were in it just like Paul Martin’s agent said. This is weird and pathetic at the same time.
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some of you guys need to learn how twitter works. CB didn’t tweet that JD. It was a tweet by Larry Brooks that he put on his page.
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Damn we seem to have forgotten the mantra. Cmon people say it with me one more time.
Slow and steady.
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MattyB says:
And as it comes down to the end, with Illya signing with the Devils, us gullible Islander fans were fooled again….Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice, we’re a bunch of idiots.
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IF they never even made an offer, anyone who buys a ticket to ever watch this team again deserves what he/she gets. How many times can people be fooled?
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1060, you are right. I hit the submit button before I finished my comments which had the RT coming from Brooks.
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We keep passing on the media speculation like a mutated virus… CB’s out of the loop now I think. I think he’s waiting for a tweet just like us.
I’m watching Grossman’s twitter … He’s going to announce via twitter just like he did with Volchenkov …
Brooks knows nothing … he’s digging by speculating expecting a response … don’t bite … and don’t spread the disease (Queensryche reference).
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Steve M says:
Larry Brooks said that the Isles never made an offer. Good thing is that might mean that Snow wanted to hang back and see who offered, and who got turned down. Make an offer Snow/Wang, if it doesn’t happen, it’s a bad move on Ilya’s part.
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BB says:
So in effect we have been fooled again by the real estate mogal and his puppet GM. How sad it is to be an Islanders fan!!!!!!
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If you look at the signings on Thursday and Friday … notice how quickly they were consumated?
This is over 3 hours later. Grossman and Kovy are mulling things over. If a decision was made… it would be announced already.
So … if it’s the Devs … Who cares? They are still on the way down … and will take Kovy with ‘em … poor fella.
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in the words of william goldman – “noboby KNOWS anything.”
not yet. -
Jeff Speight says:
Wang bites, Snow doesn’t know what he’s doing, the IK deal is a scam to jerk the fans around!!!!! Are you all on the bong for the holidays? No one on this site has the slightest idea about deals made or not made. Why don’t all you amateur GMs and monday morning QBs put another patty on the barby and let the professionals handle the team. Which in case you haven’t noticed is a franchise on the rise with a solid young core who play an exciting brand of hockey. But I’m sure anyone here could do a better job right?
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I read one report saying Devils oferred him 7 years 60 million. (SI.com) I could see the Islanders offering a better deal though.
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Laughing stock of the league once again. Latest rumors are that the Isles didnt even make an offer. What a crock PR stunt on behalf of Snow and Wang. Why do we continue to throw our hearts at this team. Yeah, making the playoffs with C level signings seems real good right now….unbelievable!!
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Right, they were never the source of the offer so had no obligation to refute it – which conveniently drives up the price for other teams perhaps? Did they have something to lose by saying the offer wasn’t true?
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All i know is everyone who says the devs are close to a deal is using the post as a source. The same source that claimed it was done then went back on it so lets calm down we will find out very shortly where he will be playing
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Jason says:
I have officially had it with this organization. It is one thing to not try to get Kovalchuk because none of us expected us to even be in the running, but then to intentionally release the information that you contact Kovy’s agent, only to now be rumored that you never even made an official offer.
They have an already angry, floundering fan base, and they basically have ruined all of our holiday weekends, got everybody excited for nothing. I am just glad I only spent a few hours checking the internet rather than some others who have apparently been sitting at their computer 24/7. Always a let down as an Isles fan. Every single time, take it to the bank. So, now we go from the excitement of possibly having Kovy back to our best signings being Mark Eaton and Milan Jurcina. What a disaster.
Two more things, cant wait to see what other crap snow brings in to get us up to the cap floor, and how the heck the Devils can fit Kovy into their cap. They have 2 million in cap space, I just checked, and are giving Kovy 8.5 million a year. There is nobody on the team making more than 6 million. They will have to trade at least 2 key players to make this work. I swear if Lou is allowed to weasel his way out of this through some loophole, like he has done several times already (like with Malakhov), I am done with the NHL.
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Who will decide first? Kovi or LeBron
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there both jersey bound
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Eric says:
Kovalchuk is very ovverrated. He is not a “wining player” he is like Arod he needs to be on a good team. The Devils do not have a championchip caliber team right now the kings might in a year or two and the islanders might in 3+ years. Anyway I would take a lot of players over Kovalchuk who do not produce more. Id rather have Zetterberg and Parise over Kovalchuk.
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@1061….please Diana, stop acting like all of our picks are gong to be stars. They are not.
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If we made no offer, this makes us more of joke.
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So it sounds like its not official but that just may be due to the fact that the Devils are over the cap and need to make deal.
Unless Garth comes in with a last minute offer that blows the Devils offer away he will be a Devil…………..chances are he is already a Devil.
And the Islanders disappoint their fans once again. What else is new.
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Comments should be disabled for an hour or so. I think we all need to step away from our computers/laptops/Iphones etc.
It’s all the same speculation, nobody knows anything for now.
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Dan Rosen from NHL.com wrote,’The New York Post is reporting that according to one source the Devils “have the inside track” to sign Kovalchuk to sign a six-year, $60 million contract.’
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How did the isles disappoint? You disappoint yourselves. A rumor is a rumor. The way it works is, you call the agent, the agent says make me an offer, or, in this case, says we are not interested. He could have gotten 10MM from atlanta and left for NJ. Anyone who is all shocked amazed and mad at the Islanders is delusional and confused.
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Wow I only can blame myself for letting myself think we were actually going to get a top 5 goal scorer. I can no longer blame the Coliseum – Wang or Snow(Who i loathe). I blame myself for not knowing better. I dont think i am alone
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ISLESCUP10-11 says:
if there is no kovy how do the isles get to the cap floor????????
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we should just start a new thread titled,”who is left for the isles to sign to get over the cap”.Such garbage that once again we get our hopes up for another let down. I am rioting in my office.
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jim says:
i think that the islanders will get him still garth always keeps his cards to the chest and lets remember he never refuted the report of 10/100
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Andy N says:
This team is a joke!! This is the worst thing that could have happen.. It’s one thing to be bad but when you start screwing with your loyal fans!! This is the exact reason why everybody thinks this is the worst team in sports and we have to put up with it yet again.
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1076: How exactly did they screw with loyal fans by inquiring about a number of the better free agents, offering them better deals, and getting turned down?
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Hey Andy N and Lance, who is this “we” you keep talking about? Someone appoint you guys spokemen for the fan base? I hear the Rags are short a few complainers!
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jpa on Jul 5th, 2010 16:15:55 said:
1076: How exactly did they screw with loyal fans by inquiring about a number of the better free agents, offering them better deals, and getting turned down?Because they do the same crap every time.And never get the job done..THATS HOW THE SCREW THE LOYAL FANS!!!!
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We get him, the re-build is accelerated a bit, we don’t, the re-build is still on schedule. If Kovie goes to the Devils, then they should sign Frolov, plan B.
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This has nothing to do with Isles management. They never said anything to lead us to believe they made an offer.
If you’re upset, be upset with the media and all of us fans who built this up.
Garth said he only made an inquiry. We thought he was just being coy. Perhaps he was telling the truth.
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as per espn..the NY POST is backing off it story..what a shock..
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1077: We hear that same story every year. Its garbage. There is always an excuse with this team. All the Kovy talk gets everyone excited only to find out that they didnt even make an offer. Thats not letting the fans down??
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Blizzard says:
…this is torture. But its not Snow or Wangs fault. They inquired and are trying to better the team. We have all suffered as Islander fans. I would love Kovalchuk to sign here. But if he doesnt we cant all crucify Snow and Wang for trying. We are still progressing in the rebuild, we have had an injection of exciting young prospects, If Kovy doesnt want Wang bucks to play here then so be it…screw him, of course if he does whoppee!!!
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letsgoisles says:
Just sign Zherdev & Frolov at 4 million each per year… Give them both 3 yrs 12 million each…
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The rebuild has been on schedule since the mid 90s.
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Just Sayin says:
Very happy #1083 is not the GM.
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With all these numbers being thrown around, I just feel that if he was going to the Devils based on this report and specculation, the contract would have been signed and promoted already. Kovy is about to make the biggest choice in his career….why not take another day to think about it. I’m sure he has 3 legitimate choices sitting on the table right now, all with their pro’s and con’s. If this was all about money, the deal would have been signed by now. I’m sure Brodeur’s game in decline and poor attendance in Jersey is a factor, LA being a dump hole even with their recent push is another, and the Islanders arena problem are all in perspective.
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I wonder if Devils fans have been following this as we have?
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this jerk from the post had made everyone here crazy. relax people we have yet to find out where he will play. Also until we find out the details of what has went down we cant blame anyone for anything
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#1087 Atlanta is supposedly in also with an offer
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Everything I had stated above, IF the rumored scenario comes to pass,stands! Having said that,we have the no credibility ‘Rag of all Rags’ NY Post to lean on for hope that Ilya’s Camp is waiting for an Isles offer that Garth was QUOTED saying is being prepared. Again,whether this circus is intended to be a ruse in a feeble and stupid attempt to placate you and I or a genuine effort to blow away Kovalchuk,if he slights us,and takes considerably less money,our irrelevance and or trust would reach an all time low.
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Hey 1078 If you like going through this year after year fine but its getting tiresome… They haven’t won a playoff seies in 17 years.. ENOUGH already!!
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islesfan16 says:
RHL Vin @1082- no its not letting the fans down. the isles management never said they made an offer. they didnt promise or represent a single thing about getting kovi. all garth said was that an inquiry was made. all of the rest– and all of your expectations– was a product of gossip.
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1081: that’s where you are mistaken my friend. If snow/wang never made an off that IS letting the fans down. Sometimes an organization needs to do something to appease its fans. Whether the move was right or wrong I think we are all in agreement that signing Kovy would have a huge impact on the status of this team and would bring the Islander nation to the forefront of the NHL, not to mention to put pressure on Kate Murray. For the islanders never to make a bid would just be criminal to us as fans through all of the hell we have been put through over the last 10 years
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Wow, such angry statements…..and based on little to no facts.
What do we know so far:
1. Team is in middle of rebuild
2. Wang loses millions of dollars each year on this team.
3. Until 72 hours ago, no Islander fan was even dreaming about Kovy.
4. Isles may have or may not have made an offer for Kovalchuk.
5. If Kovy does not sign with Isles, we’re back to the same spot we were in 72 hours ago: In mist of rebuild, just had a good draft..and hopefully can pick up a could of picks, prospects, etc by taking salary away from “cap-hampered” teams.Two years ago, this team was a total mess, Snow and company are starting the slow painful rebuild. It’s really the only way to go at this point. Painful, but the only option.
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Hey Jeff….this team has not won a single round in 17 years. So try and pay attention blind supporter. lol!
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Steve M says:
# 1087…what devils fans?
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like I have said all along folks, Kovalchuk is not coming to the Islanders. I really can’t believe that some people actually thought that Wang would dish out the money to wheel this guy in.
great blog Chris but we both know Wang probably never even considered dishing out the money to sign Kovalchuk.
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pilon says:
Let’s relax everybody. If we get him without having to give him an embarrassing contract (ie more than crosby for 10 years) fantastic. If we can’t get him for a realistic price, I say stick to the plan. I wouldn’t do 100 mil/10 years–it would come back to bite us. If nj is offering 60/6 I would go 66/6 or 75/7 take it or leave it.
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RHL Vin: I’m not going to argue against your point of view on the teams direction, I just inquired how trying to outbid other teams on good players and the PLAYERS not signing our MORE lucrative deals is the organization giving the fans the finger is all.
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slesfan16 @1090 – After everything this franchise has put its fans through why would Snow come out and tell the public that he “inquired” about Kovalchuk without having any real interest. He could have made his inquiry and kept it close to his chest as he usually does. There was a reason why he admitted to making an inquiry……but if he actually made no offer then this whole thing makes no sense. Just like the Fishsticks jersey made no sense, just like all of Milbury’s trades made no sense, just like passing on Parise made no sense just like Kevin Connolly sitting at the draft table and announcing picks makes no sense. The list goes on and on……
This team just continues to disappoint…..
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Snow should go to kovi’s agent and offer 8 years at 9 million a season. 72 millino total.
its an overpayment but we can afford it since we still need to get to the cap floor.
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It’s not the same thing year after year, and I don’t think we’re being jerked around. I’d give current Islanders ownership a break. They tried with Ryan Smyth, and it didn’t work out through no fault of Wang. Now, after a couple quiet years on the FA front, they’re trying to make another big splash. Save your vitriol for Kate Murray and the politicians who allowed the NVMC to fall apart, large pieces of it literally falling the building.
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the only way the Isles get Kovy is to seriously overpay…..10yrs 100 mill MIGHT get it done…..might.
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jpa 1124 – Also signing Kovy will help considerably when they try to sign FAs in the future. Maybe we dont lose out on a Paul Martin or a Dan Hamhuis with Kovy on the team. The Islanders need Kovalchuk big time.
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Pull yourselves together!!!
This is crazy. People swearing off the team, cursing Snow & Wang, fighting with other fans.
Just relax, people. It’ll be ok.
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@1127
what they’ve done recently was a 14 point improvement over the previous season, despite losing a large part of the defense to injuries and icing a 19 year old as our first line center. They’ve restocked the farm team with a number of good prospects. They’ve managed to resist the urge to make bad trades for quick fixes and haven’t committed to anyone long term. That’s all just recently.
For a rebuilding team, this is a good start.
As far as people freaking out that Kovalchuk may or may not have received an offer, and may or may not be signing with New Jersey today, take a breath and relax. Yes, I’d love to see the isles land kovy. If they don’t, they were either outbid or decided he didn’t fit with the rebuild.
It’s July. why don’t we all take it down a notch.
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i think we need group therapy.
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Darren says:
The NHL network is posting on their ticker Kovi is close to signing a 6yr deal w/ Devs.
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everyone is posting that he is close on a 6 year deal with the devs all because of one bs report by the post
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Yikes! This is getting ugly quick…this is like an ugly break up after a long term relationship…all over a few rumors of Kovy…
I must admit I’m extremely disappointed as well but sadly have just come to expect all of this now.
When I was at the draft party last week, my father (Dept. of Homeland Security) showed his badge to the parking attendane for courtesy parking (something which has been extended to all law enforcement for the last 15+ yrs I understand) and the attendant said they just stopped extending courtesy parking to anyone as of this summer, as per Mr. Wang.
Cool!
I’ll always be a fan as long as we’re local, but they sure make it hard to be…
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at least matt gets it..the post is where all this speculation is coming from…everyone relax..no one knows for real what the deal is yet
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Lets just pray that Snow came in with a huge last minute offer and thats why the Devils deal is not official……..if Kovy turns it down then he turns it down. At least there was a real effort.
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#1128 I agree. IF he signs with NJ we are no worse off than we were 4 days ago. No one really thought we had a chance of signing him before last Friday.
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with all these tweets and BS reports i feel like im reading “you know what website”. enough already!!!! i’ve spent 72 hours reading nothing but lies and garbage about where Kovy is signing and for how much…. the bottom line is NO ONE KNOWS ANYTHING. these reporters should just stop speculating.
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And so should we, Jon.
Everyone walk away from the computer/laptop/Iphone and go jump in the pool/ocean/bathtub/sprinkler and have some fun on this beautiful day.
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JKP on LI says:
There should be a drop down menu for people to post “Laughingstocks of the league!” or “I’m done with this team!” If you had gone somewhere without email for the weekend and came back tomorrow to find that Kovalchuk signed with LA, you’d have just shrugged and said, “Well, that makes sense.” There’s no reason to go off the deep end because some people said the Isles were in on this.
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My wife just told me the same thing are you coming in the pool or going to sit on the computer all day get out here its warm and sunny enough already.Too funny i guess I will go can’t waste all day hope we get him if not love the pool and beers……Bye
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Billy C says:
Kovalchuk story off NY Post website. i guess someone called BS on it
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ricky T says:
You know what would have made more sense than this signing? Not winning a couple of meaningless games at the end of the season and getting the second pick and then having a 100 point player cheap instead of a 60 – 70 million dollar goal scorer who hasn’t ever reached 100 points. Still steaming about that.
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I think we all know that Snow and the rest of the NY Islanders Organization look at this site often. I think by reading the posts they can see the passionate fans we are. The club is headed in the right direction and will improve over the next 3 years. They want to win, just as much as we want them to win.
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Matt says:
Ok.. Can this Russian bum please make his goddamn decision already? I mean come on jesus… How long does he need? Just go back to Russia you stinken bum, no one wants you here anyway..
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1144 your giving me a bad name lol
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Chronology of events:
As per Botta: SNOW! leaks story of Islanders interest in Kovy to media…
Islander Management remains silent as the news touches off a firestorm of rumor, half-truths and rampant speculation in the Blogosphere and Mainstream Media…
Blogs and Boards lit up as brightly as the 4th of July night sky with fan praise and congratulation for Snow and Wang…
Islander Country, drunken with hope and anticipation, slowly awakens to the sobering reality… There was no offer… Snow: “I called to inquire”… Snow: “I was under no obligation to respond to media reports”
Really, Mr. Snow? No obligation? None to the fans whose hopes you raised and summarily crashed?!YOU lit that match, Sir! How dare you cavalierly dismiss any responsibility for the smoking ruin now lying where the last vestiges of this Organization’s credibility once stood.
And in other Islanders News: Matt Moulson files for salary arbitration – you really can’t make this stuff up.
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nyislanders93 says:
Really? The 50 goal scorer is now a “Russian bum” because he is taking his time making a decision that will impact the rest of his career? Any fans getting frustrated with Kovalchuk need to grow up. He is a superstar talent and is better than any current Islanders prospect is ever going to be.
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Ari says:
I don’t know. After reading CB’s comments, I felt pretty good about Kovalchuk signing with the Isles. Then I head over to SI.com and a report says he’s about to go back to the Devils for 7 years and 60 million. If Wang and Snow really want the guy, I imagine they would beat that offer. I’m not thrilled with these long-term contracts, and the Isles should have learned their lessons in this regard. Still, at least 7 is not 10 and the Isles sure could use this guy to kickstart the rebuild which has been slow as molasses. We’ll see soon enough.
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Just because no “offer” was made does not mean the Islanders have not discussed “numbers”. If I am Grossman and the islanders called to just kick the tires I would refute any reports that the islanders are in the game. I would not waste my time and risk losing a contract for my client. Based on IK turning down the kings, who every pundit predicted he would land my theory is the Snowang have discussed some hefty numbers and my feeling is whatever the devils offer the Islanders can top it. After that its up to IK. This was not a PR stunt. The islanders were in this for real because if it was for PR Grossman would have sniffed that out early. Lets Go Islanders!!
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@1144 — Really? He’s not ordering lunch here. He’s making a life altering decision about where he’s going to work and live for the next decade, pretty much the entire remainder of his window of opportunity as an NHL player.
It’s a bit incredible that we expect these decision to be made in mere days.
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thomas says:
Seriously 1144? Come on think what you’re going to say before you post here. Ilya Kovalchuk, is a star player, not a “Russian Bum” Yashin is an russian bum not Ilya.. Just like 1146 said, he needs time to make such an important decision that will impact his whole career. Please be careful what you say on here. Besides Kovalchuk is probably not coming here anyway.
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Another season where a long departed Yashin is our highest paid player.
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Offer him $83 mil for 7 years. That is max money. The Devils would have to move a number of players just to get under the cap and get those players replaced at minimal contracts. This problem would also continue forward as Parise comes up for arbitration next year. Considering that the Flyers seem to have the Devils and Brodeurs number, the Islanders really could drive this process on $$$$$. I like the Devils and the team the Lamarillo has built but I think his luck may have run out here. He could not keep Martin and will have trouble with more palyers in the future. Maxing out for Kovy doesn’t seem like Lou’s style, but I am sure that Wang has the balls to do it.
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There are a ton of stories out there written as though its a done deal, all because of the post article. I hope he goes somewhere other than the Devils to make all those other writers look like fools.
1146-I don’t know if you can say he is better than any prospect we currently have can ever become…It’s way to early to say. He is a superstar though not a bum. -
1150-It is very early to say, but the only one who looks like he would have a legitimate shot at being a 50 goal scorer is John Tavares. Kovalchuk is an incredible talent who plays with passion. We need him in New York. If necessary, I would offer 11 million a year to get him in an Islanders uniform.
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agreed, Petrov or Kabanov may have potential to play a very similar game to him but it is totally unknown right now.
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Billy C says:
Offer him 75 million over 8 years and be done with it.
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Honestly if Kovalchuk does chooses to sign in New York I’ll be stunned and extremely happy, just as any isles fan should be. All the hype over how the Nassau Coliseum, how the management is a circus, really pisses me off. This team with\without ilya is going to be a serious threat in the coming years. Our Prospect system is the best in the league. Honestly though as musch as i hate to say it, I strongly believe Kovalchuk is going to New Jersey.. I honestly HATE the devils. They are going nowhere, unlike the Islanders. I can’t wait in the coming years when this team makes all reporters shut the hell up.
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kovy sign already, this weekend has been hell, jersey,isles or la do something .
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pained says:
Totally agree, 1154. Absoltuely ticked to read teams and columnists pittying the Islanders. Zero respect given. Garth, make it happen!
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The New York Post has pulled the story.
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Instead of driving yourself nuts … just go to Katie Strang’s twitter and you’ll find Jay Grossman’s twitter … refresh there … That is the first place you’ll hear about Kovy’s selection.
I’m kind of on the fence about Kovy … I think he pushes ahead the rebuild … but at a cost years down the road … just my gut feeling …. After 30 y/o he’ll begin his decline, and then we have to ask if his cap hit is worth it when the Isles need to resign the future stars, and pick up another high priced UFA… maybe perhaps when the Isles are in a new arena in 2015?
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If Wang and Snow really want him, just blow him away with an offer. I agree he is not going to be happy in NJ. He would fit Gordon’s system much better.
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Giz says:
I would love to get Kovy but doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen…but I give Snow an Wang lots of credit for goin after some big names this off season.
When he signs with Jersey they should focus on trading for Bobby Ryan or maybe sign Frolov to a 1 or 2 year deal.
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No way this happens. It would be a huge gamble to sign with the Isles. Write now it would be like him stepping into a blackhole. As far as the money goes….whats the difference after the first 5 million a year, does the money really matter at that point? I would think 6 million and a contender is more attractive than 10 million and homeless in 5 years?
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Grammar correction above…”Right now” Thats what happens when you have 102 fever
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Maybe one of these summers Garth Snow will actually attract 1 main UFA to the Isles, overpaying for the Canadiens 5th dman (who has been a surprise), a 40 yr old goalie who noone else offered 2 yrs (whom mgmt favors a cripple in DP over him), and scrap heap UFAs (Guerin, Sim, Tank, Comrie, etc) After 4+ yrs its about time Snow does what GMs of Chicago, Pitt, etc did when they stunk and bring in quality vets to help out our young guys. And for the Kool Aid drinkers worried about cap space with this whole IK situation (if there really ever was one to begin with), there is no guarantee Okposo and/or Bailey amount to anything worthy of huge raises in 3 yrs. The building is not THE problem, even MM was able to bring in people to play here in 2001, and Smith in 2006, THE problem is poor management and embarrassing PR over the Wang ownership years.
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James says:
It is risky to sign Kovalchuk because of the future when Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, etc… want more money. However, #1158 you are right. He would fit in with our offensive system so much better than New Jersey’s defensive system.
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Matt says:
hey CB, you know the times for the prospect besides saturday?
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TSN Canada website has a story (posted at 4:30pm) that the Devils would need to move $3.8 million of salary to make Kovy deal work
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lugs
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lets go oilers
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Ricardolikland says:
Kovie signed with debs already acording to hockey news online
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@James….Bailey and KO are not going to be stars.
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I think ur wrong about Ko,bailey not so much.
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@1172….he did not sign with them yet. They are going on this mornings, NYP article.
“Reports from the New York Post have star left winger Ilya Kovalchuk re-signing with the New Jersey Devils, who acquired the Russian sniper from Atlanta at the trade deadline. The deal is reportedly worth $60 million over seven years.”
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A couple of things strike me with news of Kovy going back to the Devils: 1) I don’t see him as a good fit for their system, and didn’t think it was a fit when they traded for him in the first place 2) We still can’t attract any big name free-agents, no matter the amount of money. Sad state of affairs.
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@ 1173 – I personally dont see any of the Islanders young players being superstars, capable of commanding huge deals down the road. Kyle is a gritty, good young player and JT will be real good but not great. Does not skate well enough. I see Kyle capped at 25-40-65 and JT 30-40-70. Optimistically……….
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bob l says:
funniest thing is that the earlier in the weekend, the devs could only go as high as 7.5, but now they magically go to 8.6? interesting, but in any case, the tsn and thn reports are merely citing the original ny post article, which they have backed off on lately
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T-1 Sella says:
#1177 I thought the same thing too…but than I realized volchenkov AND hedberg are Puck Agency clients…same as Kovi…everyone is signing in NJ…..shame cuz he would be a god here….
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Not many people have stated the fact that the devils are nothing without marty b. Although this is entirely speculative, martin could manage 60 or 70 games in his next two seasons and that is it. The devils have not improved into a cup winning team with the vol signing. He replaces martin who was a solid defenseman, certainly not a better defenseman. Without marty b, the islanders are not a good team. Kovy must see this, if he doesnt he is ignorant.
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no player wants to play in that sh– hole we are in and Murray continues to drag the project. It’s July and nothing yet. First it was end of may, then June. I bet now it will be end of August. We have also show we are a hockey team that can win also.
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27Tonelli says:
We are right down there with the Clippers, Orioles, Pirates and Browns as the Dregs of Pro sports franchises !!! Just leave NY already Mr.Wang ! I am done as a fan of this “team”, better word is JOKE ! What a travesty my Islanders have become!
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You can not trust most of these Russian players. There is already rumors that Kovy will go back to Russia. That is why 1st rd talent like Petrov and Kabanov go in the 3rd round. After the drama with Yashin and Kvasha, why would we would ever want another Russian! We shouldn’t! They are in it for the money and care less about the Cup. This is evident during the Olympics when you see Russian players play better than you have ever seen them play. Yes, there are few excpetions but for the most part this is accurate.
Hope Kovy signs in NJ! Let him be their headache! All I know is that Atlanta improved after he left and will be even better this year by dumping him and using the money for all the guys they picked up from Chicago (Byfuglien, Eager, Ladd. Wish we had those guys!
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WM says:
Posted from Jay Grossman a minute ago :
Ilya Kovalchuk choices have been narrowed down, details to be finalized but no announcement tonight….Sleep tight all. Tomorrow is another day!
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linyrox says:
“Ilya Kovalchuk choices have been narrowed down, details to be finalized but no announcement tonight…. ” from Jay Grossman’s Twitter… DAMN YOU ILYA!!!!!
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Mike says:
Well snap me down, no decision tonight. If this was a done deal for the Devils, there would be no delay. I can’t help but think where there’s smoke, there’s fire…if anyone is religious, say a prayer or whatever one does in their respective religion and lets make it happen.
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I just saw that guys … “Narrowed Down?” … I thought we were already down to two? … That just goes to show you how we’re soooo in the dark … and the media is in the dark as much as we are … I think I like this guy Jay Grossman.
I think it’s time for our collective “Chill Pill”
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make one last attempt Garth.
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Stellar reporting by the Rags loving NY Post.
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It was time for a chill pill a while ago.
There’s nothing else at this point that can be said or speculated about that hasn’t already been said or speculated.
See y’all tomorrow.
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i hope wang told grossman (or instructed snow to tell him) “when you have your best deal, give me a call.”
it’s what george m. steinbrenner III used to do. it gives him the final option to blow the other offer out of the water, or not.
it still may end up being the devils, but if it was a done deal i think we’d already know. -
After all this posturing by Kovalchuk’s agent I’ve completely changed my mind, either let the Devils gag on the Russian puke or send him packin’ to Siberia, nobody is worth the game-playing and headaches that are sure to come along with this pair.
One year deals to Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya and Carlo Colaiacovo to reach the floor then call it a day.
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agent just posted that his choices have been narrowed down but no announcement to be made tonight. see you guys tomorrow!
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Everything that has been leaked…. I mean reported, sorry, was done so for a purpose. Isles making huge offer, Kings out, Thrashers back in, agrees to terms with Devils… All of it, has been done to drive up the price. Stan Fischler said it best on twitter, won’t believe anything untill Grossman of a team makes an announcement.
Like we’ve done for 17, just brace for the worst. At least we can Climb off the ledge tonight. Good thing, too hot outside.
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I am so tired of blaming the Coliseum as a reason FAs will not sign here. It’s a bunch of BS. The players could care less for the most part, and I was told this first hand. They care about money first and then being in a winning organization. The Coliseum is the same dump as it was during the cup years. Never heard complaints from those Islander players, in fact, they loved the old barn. The building is more of an issue for the fans and the owner.
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Have we signed Kip Miller yet, seeing as how we won’t be getting Ilya ?
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Rich says:
Check CB’s Twitter.
Isles never made an offer and never will. All this hype was a fraud.
I should have know better. I actually got excited about this pathetic team. -
when is every islander fan going to realize, Wang & Snow are just putting a big smokescreen in front of them …NO OFFER WAS EVER MADE…SNOW JUST MADE A COURTESY CALL, THAT IS IT…AND THEN ANNOUNCES TO EVERY MEDIA OUTLET, THAT THEY ARE IN IT….THEY ARE AT THE CAP FLOOR & WILL NOT SPEND ANY HIGHER…AND WILL NOT TRY TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS….JUST LOOK AT WHO WAS SIGNED…JURCINA, EATON, & PARENTEAU ARE THE REAL MISSING PIECES OF THE PUZZLE TO GET US IN THE HUNT FOR A PLAYOFF SPOT…..ITS STARTING TO LOOK LIKE THE PLAYERS WE HAD LIKE SUTTON WERE BETTER THAN WHAT WE HAVE NOW….THIS IS A COMPLETE JOKE !!
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I’m so confused. Not sure what is happening and if I should even care.
Jay Grossman Tweeted that Kovalchuk has narrowed his choices and will decide later. Still not sure if it matters.
Now lets talk about Bobby Ryan -
Wang should sell the team and the new owner has to get a GM who has a clue. What purpose did it serve for snowjob to announce the islanders contacted kovys agent when they never planned to make an offer??
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while it would be nice to have a marquee player on the island. ive said it before,ill say it again. for those of you who think we need to sign this guy for 10/100 your nuts. he is TERRIBLE not just in his own zone but anytime he doesnt have the puck.any of you watch what he did against the isles lasy year? i dont have all the answers and i dont think garth does yet. but signing such a one way player goes against everything they have been building.very shortsighted to bash our owner and gm when you have no idea what goes on behind the scenes
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Look everyone just calm down. Kovalchuk hasn’t signed or even decided on a team yet. This is probably the most important decision of his life so he should take a lot of time to make it. I’d love to have him on our team but I’m also just happy we have made a play for him. I won’t try and defend every decision Snow/Wang have made, but since Snow took over I believe they have tried to steer the organization in the right direction. If we get him or fail t reel him in, I am sure they are giving it the best shot they can without killing our chances of fielding a competitive team in the future. Just chill please!
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islanders are out, oh well
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Katie Strang just posted that the Islanders are out of the IK staktes. According to her report Snow was only considering a short term deal and never made an offer. You have got to be Kdding me! Every islander fan should be INSULTED!! I dont know what to say. I am speechless as to how unprofessional, and naive our ownership and GM is. To call the agent with a short term deal! Doesnt Garth understand what IK was looking for. I mean he turned down $112 mil from ATL and Garth thinks he can get him on a short term deal? Are you for real. CLUELESS,CLUELESS,CLUELESS! WHAT AN UTTER DISGRACE. GARTH, WANG AND THE WHOLE DAMN LOT OF THEM SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSLEVES. WHAT A JOKE?
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Doug says:
Islanders no longer in the running for Kovalchuk according to Katie Strang’s latest blog post including Snow’s quotes.
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you guys are so crazy one CB never said the isles have not made an offer learn about twitter. Also the isles are in this they would not let all their fans sit here all day and press refresh 1000 times each just to put up a smokescreen knowing how upset it would make the fanbase not to get this guy. im not saying we are getting him but to say were not in this would just be crazy. After all the BS we went through today everyone should realize we dont know anything about the situation other then the isles were interested lets stop with the crazy rants about how snow and wang are just trying to screwaround. I know as an isles fan since 1985 that we have not been good but can we atleast wait till we get screwed over before we all snap.
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Katie says … Islanders are out of it.
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Matt, post 1201, they just did. I am fuming right now. To lose out to IK is one thing, but to lose out because our GM is a joke is another.
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No offer was extended, thanks Garth and Wang! Kings made offer, Devils made offer, Isles “looked into it”
It is believed that while the Islanders’ interest was legitimate, they never entered a serious stage of discussions with Kovalchuk’s camp nor made an offer.
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Hey Matt…wake up and put the Garth kool aid down…this was a mirage, a smoke screen, all BS….Isles never made an offer, only made a phone call. What a complete joke. I was fooled like alot of other die hard fans into thinking we actually were making an effort to get better!
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Rich D ….. If Kovalchuk nets 50 i could care less if he plays defense. He plays right wing not Center. Let the center on his line play 2-ways. Was Gretzky a GREAT defensive player????? Saying a guy is terrible when he nets 50 goals a year is moronic.
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Frolov, Torress, asham doesn’t sound bad right now… (and we’ll probably save some money too)
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Bobby Ryan
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But do you guys honestly thing he was going to pick us if we offered him the money? That’s why I’m not upset, he was still going to pick a team that is in a position to win now.
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It’s impossible to be out of the race if they were never in it to begin with, terrible job by Islander management for misleading it’s fan base (assuming what we’re hearing is true). They sure got plenty of media attention for it though which is probably what they were after. Garth should have kept his “due diligence” to himself. Complete Farce.
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Here is my pledge to the current ownership/leadership of the Islanders as we head into the new season. I have been a fan for 30 years.
1. I am never purchasing another ticket to the Coliseum, nor will I see them on the road.
2. I will not be purchasing any memorabilia, or merchandise
3. If the Isles are on, I will turn to Lifetime.
Thanks for nothing Garth No and Charles eat my Wang.
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Snow never said anything different to the press. The media built this story up, not the Islanders. Even all the posters on this blog, including myself, helped with the hype.
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I thought this was funny
“When there are top free agents available, we’re going to go after them,” Snow said. “Obviously, if we make the call, we have interest. We have interest in the top free agents now and we will in the future.”Really now
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As a fan of this team. Right now I am emotional. I think I can speak for everyone that we never expected even a discussion about IK. OUr best hope was to sign Volchenkov, how this org can do this to us is amazing. GARTH AND WANG NO NO SHAME. WHY EVEN BOTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CALLING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE AGENT!!!!!!!!!!!!DID YOUREALLY THINK YOU WERE GOING TO LAND IK FOR A SHORT TERM DEAL!!!! WITH NO OFFER ON THE TABLE? I AM SICK
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I’m disgusted. I don’t see how when you have $30 million dollars to play with you don’t even make an offer to a top 5 talent in the NHL. Good luck to the Isles filling the seats this year.
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Pathetic P.R. by the Islanders. This shows why this franchise is a joke, a loser, and a laughingstock. I can never take anything this franchise does seriously ever again. I find it sad and pathetic that a team from NY is run so poorly. Until Charles Wang is gone none of this will ever change.
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CB… could you close this thread? The negativity is making me sick.
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im going insane over this
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Short term deal Garth you’ve got otbe kidding us. The guy already turned down 8 and 12 year deals and you come in with some sort short term deal. Please stop stroking the fans and do something for once. This is getting old, now I know he isn’t officially signed anywhere yet but all things considered it look’s as though that he’s not going to be an Islander. So CW and GS please do something with the remaining UFA’S and or a trade and let’s get this rebuild into 2nd gear and bring in some talent that can get this rebuild jump started.Sign Asham, Torres trade for Gagne just DO SOMTHING THAT WILL HELP US THIS YEAR.
LETS GO ISLANDERS….. -
JJ WAKE UP WE JUST GOT PUNKED AND BG TIME
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Good I dont want the most ovverrated player in hockey after Hossa and Luongo. I would rather have Parise or Zetterberg and a few other forwards that dont put up as many points as Kovalchuk. Would it be great if the Isles got Kovalchuk for 7 years 60 mill? Yea it would energize this Island for sure no question, but I dont want to overpay for this guy and give him an outlandish contract. If he gets 7 years 60 mill from the Devils then good for Jersey, good for Kovalchuk, and good for the nhl. I mean how much more do you want the Islanders to give him? People are really overreacting. We are ganna have a solid, young team soon and then Garth Snow will fill in the missing pieces via free agency and will make atleast one splash. By then we should know where the Islanders will be playing(I hope!). The Islanders are hopefully ganna have to give Tavares a ton in 2 years and hopefully nice raises to Okposo, Bailey, Comeau(who I love), and Shremp who might be good. Just relax we’re ganna have a good team. How good? I dont know!
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ISLES ARE OUT OF KOVY RACE!
Kovalchuk decision postponed, but Islanders are out, Snow put in no real effort, and now tries to spin the fans again. Per Strang…
Although the ongoing saga for the summer’s hottest free agent– Ilya Kovalchuk—has yet to be resolved, one thing is certain: the 27-year-old Russian sniper will not be signing with the Islanders.
Considering Kovalchuk had more attractive long-term options on the table, however, the Islanders never moved past the exploratory stage of discussions.
“I’d rather keep those conversations between Jay [Grossman] and myself,” Snow said, when asked for comment.
Snow did say, however, that he’d be crazy to not show interest in Kovalchuk–who has 338 goals and 304 assists in 621 career games—and has no reservations about making inquiries on him or for pursuing premier defensemen Dan Hamhuis and Paul Martin last week.
“When there are top free agents available, we’re going to go after them,” Snow said. “Obviously, if we make the call, we have interest. We have interest in the top free agents now and we will in the future.”
Although one potential suitor has now been ruled out, the speculation about where the star winger will end up continues despite reports yesterday that indicated Kovalchuk was on the verge of re-signing with the Devils and inking a deal worth $60 million over 7 years.
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This should not even be a story. Of course the Islanders had no shot at Kovalchuck. Move on…
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If Devs sign Kovy they have to dump salary. Snow should be targeting Langenbrunner. Combo of toughness, scoring, and leadership that Isles could seriously use
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Gagne? Yeah ok, Snow isnt capable of signing any impact free agents, keep drinking Kool Aid drinkers, have fun spending money on this disaster.
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Snow barely tried to get him, this joke of a management continues.
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I’m so fed up with this team that I can’t find the words. Garth Snow has once again proven himself to be a laughing stock. He was a laughing stock when he skated on the ice with a mattress on his back for shoulder pads and now this. He has once again failed to land even one A level UFA to the team. SInce failing to keep Ryan Smyth, he has done nothing other than use the first overall pick last year to pick JT, who was the consensus no.1 pick since he was 12 years old.
Why does Mr. Wang continue to hire people with no track record of success? FIrst MM as GM and then Snow. This team is in no way the same as the team I rooted growing up. Same logo, but no soul.
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Now the 2 idiots will overpay for washed up players no other teams want just to reach the cap floor instead of signing a 27 year old 40+ goal scorer and building around him and the young guys(Tavares,Okposo)WHAT A JOKE!!..thank god i have my YANKEES!!
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pj1212 says:
pathetic, it really is. I mean i never really got my hopes about the kovy was coming here, but the thought was nice. I am sure we will add someone, who knows, but again the team we have now made an 18 point jump, if they do half of that this year, we make the playoffs. No reason why that cant happen, with jt, ko, and jb, and company with a yr under their belt together. Face it, until idiot kate murray show her proposal, see we know if we are staying or looking elsewhere. until this happens, it iwll be hard to draw free agents here.
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bossjones says:
If the league wants parity they need to crack down on bonus money counting against the minimum cap…or at least limit it. In addition salaries of bought out players should only apply to max cap not min cap. It is supposed to penalize owners not allow them to be cheap.
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TimQ really? Garth wouldnt bother to make an offer for IK what makes you think he will make a trade for anybody. ISLANDER FANS WAKE UP WE ARE BEING PLAYED. WE GOT PLAYED BIG TIME. I AM DISGUSTED. THIS FRANCHISE WILL NEVER BE ANYTHING. THE PLAYERS ON THE TEAM HAVE TO BE EMBARRASSED THAT THIS ORG DID THIS TO THE FANS. LED THEM ON WHEN THERE WAS NOTHING. NADA, ZILCH WE ARE A JOKE AN ABSOLUTE FRIGGIN JOKE
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Oh well. Hope we don’t go after Gagne in a trade…the guy is always injured…not thx.
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Then there are those fans that think that our “core”, is going to demand big money. Why would they even stay here? The rebuild will go on, and on, and on. Please sell the team already.
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a short team deal? The guy turns down
a long term lucrative offer from Atlanta and you think he wants to be here for 2-3 years? The whole start of the free agency period begins with having players’ agents giving quotes that you tried real hard and now this farce. You can’t blame anyone for having reservations about signing here in the future. -
Anyone think Petrov is gonna make the team and have an impact…He looked good on the Russian juniors team…big ,can skate an great hands. Seems like a great fit for Gordons system.
Forget Kovy.
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Snow is still trying to figure out how many years Petrov has left on his contract, 2, 3, 4 lol
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4theisles says:
If any of the Isles interest in Kovy is true, maybe Wang is anticipating making a deal with the TOH. That news would be bigger for us fans than ANY deal on any player.
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I feel like Charlie Brown after Lucy once again pulled the football away after promising not to. What a disgrace, YOU NEED TO GET TO CAP FLOOR! DON’T YOU REALIZE WHAT THIS WOULD HAVE DONE FOR THE FAN BASE??? 7 YEARS, 70 MILLION, THESE GUYS ARE SO SHORTSIGHTED.
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Steve says:
HOW THE $%#@ ARE THE ISLES “OUT” WHEN THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN OFFICIALLY “IN” ACCORDING TO EVERYONE???
This is a sham, they never were in on Kovalchuk, they just wanted to give the fans something positive to talk about and how great the Isles are and when he didn’t sign here (bc we never really offered him anything) we’d complain it was because of the Coliseum and all show up at a rally for Wang.
I didnt think theyd stoop this low, but they did. I dont care what anyone says, or how they “tried all they could to get him.” This was a P.R. move.
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I meant that’s what they should have offered him. Sorry, but I am so mad right now.
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even though it wasn’t under garth’s watch, where were those short term deals for Ricky and Ya$hin?
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The problem for Petrov or any young player is the lack of support from quality vets…chiefly because the ownership is cheap. Thus the kids are thrown to the wolves. I have respect for Tavares and KO who got beat up pretty bad last year and came through it with ok numbers.
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I’m not expecting the Isles to land Kovy & I’m not going to cry when they officially don’t. However, I remember reading during the draft that there was 100% no way they were going to draft Kabanov no matter where he fell & it was to my surprise that supposed confirmed info was false. So, until the announcement is made I also won’t be surprised that if by some miracle the Isles still sign Ilya.
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Steve M says:
what are you guys moping about? there will NOT be a decision tonight, check nhl.com. Grossman also said the choices are “narrowed” so obviously its between us and the devils.
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From Katie 45 minutes ago:
Ilya to the Island? Not quite.
Although the ongoing saga for the summer’s hottest free agent– Ilya Kovalchuk—has yet to be resolved, one thing is certain: the 27-year-old Russian sniper will not be signing with the Islanders.
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1238, check katie’s twitter.
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@1239….read the comments, we are out of the race.
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JIsles… what makes you think that we got “punked?”
Garth Snow said that he made an inquiry. That’s it! It’s not his responsibility to quiet the media and the fans. Not once did Isles management ever say that we were close to landing Kovalchuk. That was all media speculation.
Besides, just three days ago, none of us even cared if we got Kovy b/c we all figured it wasn’t happening.
Nothing’s changed.
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Just think that if this rumor was this out of control as it turns out it was, the Isles management should have squashed it. CB even said, “the isles wouldn’t take their fans down this road only to fall way short.” Well they did. I don’t blame them for not offering a 10 year 100 mill contract but you can’t let fans who haven’t seen much success on the ice or by signing star players off of it get fired up and excited over a weekend to find out it was all a lie basically.
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John says:
I saw a lot of people saying here that atl offered more money than Isles they only
Offered 102mil over 12 years less than 10 a year -
all of u guys need to relax it prob would of backfired..i kno he is a great offensive force but 10 yrs 100 million..cmon..OFFER Bobby Ryan a contract.
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John (1243), they also offered $70 mil over 7 years
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Steve M says:
=[ well Kovi will suck with the devils.
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Katie Strang says it is a K-4 that IK won’t be coming to the Isles! That said, there is no attribution for her conclusion. Did a little birdie tell her or was it just an emanation? She uses the word “certain”. As a purported journalist she must know that words do in fact mean things.
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We are the Pittsburgh Pirates of hockey.Clueless mgt snow is a idiot playing games what he wanted was to get media attention.He got it but its all bad.Wang sell already get the hell out of hockey open up a chinese resturant and hire snow as a bartender.Maybe we can start a rumor the russian guy who ownes the Nets will buy the Isles and he will sign Kovy and all russian players…lol.I think this stinks checking in all day just to get blindsighted by bull crap.I am disapointed if you have no intetion of truly making a concrete offer don’t waste everyone’s time with BS.When will they wake up when no one shows up at games thats when boycott opening day send wang a message.This is a big joke……..Embarrasing to all Isles fans.
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Its hard to root for this team.
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Katie’s blog is depressing. About the only good thing I can say is that we can’t blame Chris Dey for this one.
I’m not asking Snow to negotiate in public, but if Ms. Strang’s portrayal is accurate, this could not have been played worse by Isles with regard to their fans. Did they think they were gaining something. But then again, what other organization puts a guy Like Bill Guerin in limbo for for days to protect what could have been a fifth round draft pick in a trade.
I am so glad I did not renew my STH and if I still had the invoice, I’d be inclined to send it back with ….
Calling this a Mickey Mouse organization is an insult to Mickey Mouse.
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Steve M says:
Honestly it is. They hype us up and NOTHING happens, same crap over and over again. Yes, I’m whining, but for a good reason. THANKS WANG AND SNOW FOR NOTHING.
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Very hard to root for them Dan you are right.
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Kovalchuk is terrible in the defensive zone…he would be a terrible leader in the locker room and whenever something doesnt go hhis way he tries to do everything for himself. Ive seen this happen. GOOD for him, signing a cruddy deal in NJ. Hes gonna suck there
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Newsday has a story from Strang now. Isles could have quieted this down if they wanted to, but they chose not to. Their plan was to offer him a short term deal the article says. That means that they planned to offer him a deal they knew he would never accept. That means it was purely a PR ploy to show that they will be “in” talks for top free agents. The thing is, we all know the truth, and that is that they won’t. Punked indeed – all of us who wasted time following this story all weekend. Larry Brooks had it 100% correct yesterday in the Post. This organization is a sad, sick joke.
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real fans down to the core never complain and whine when they won cups and were a winning team then they were the best u can’t always win u go up and u go down and now we are in rebuild next year we get zach parisie who is a better player than kovi ask all the gm’s in the league
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I think this was handled poorly by the Islanders … seeing the passion of fans riding a negative wave of disappointment … I am now wondering what the current Islanders players think of this side show? Hey … not to mention potential free agents too.
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@1251…..yea Parise will come to the mess. Lol!
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April 2011 … Islanders defeat the Devils in a shootout to make the playoffs eliminating the Devils as Kovalchuk is stoned by Rollie with his pathetic shot attempt.
Odder things have happened.
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honestly don’t know if i really want kovi on the isles but nevertheless snow should have just kept his f——- pie hole shut and not say a thing about kovi in the 1st place, so again the islander fans are getting pissed on while being told that its raining outside.
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NYISLES says:
#1254, All snow said was he made a preliminary call. The media hyped the rest of it.
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well they did hype it way too much obv..i mean most isles fans are def upset..im not too upset bc i think it wouldnt of worked out but who knos..BOBBY RYAN get him
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#1255, he should have never said a thing, not even that he had preliminary talks knowing the fragility of the fan base for the last few yrs
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garth snow truly makes me sick. he comes off so smug it disgusting.
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Mr. Wang and Mr. Snow, I am on your side. If you are successful, then this team will be successful. Yes, you did ruin the weekend of all your most loyal fans, who did not have the stomach to leave their computer just in case there were some real fireworks all our fans could enjoy. You owe it to your fans to at least make an honest attempt at landing a top notch talent. After finding out you offered a short term contract only, I was appauled. Why do you think it’s smarter to offer mediocre players big money, but proven talent is worth only a inquiry? I know you think players won’t come here because of the building, I think they are toying with you, how does it feel? They won’t come here because of the way you treat your players. Why in the world would you take Matt Moulson to arbitration? Way to go! What kind of message are you sending your young core, If you do really well and become our leading scorer, we will have to nickel and dime you! MM & the Isles are a great fit, why are you upsetting the applecart? You are obviously not serious about getting Kovie, so why are you screwing with our good young guys? I do think that you made a few good signings in the past and I did loved this years draft. I believe everyone will come to see what a good job you and the scouts did. The problem, my friends, is public relations. You don’t have any, and if you do, it is god-awful! The image of the N.Y.I is directly associated with you, and in this respect you are failing.I will love this team forever, I bleed blue and orange. Why should I spend 5,000. a year on a team whos management and ownership does not give a damn about me. What, you do? Then prove it. Treat your loyal diehards with the respect they deserve, and we deserve some communication and honesty–at the very least.
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I love how people start bashing kovi now that were supposly out of the chase for him. Thats not what the comments were a few hours ago
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Brian in VA says:
Typical Snow… The guy’s an effin joke! Now he wasted all this hot air and we still signed junk since FA began… Eff Snow… But I’ll still stay with this team because I love the nails driven in my eyes.. Eff you Snow for hyping us up with false hope once again! Sorry CB, I apologize for my thoughts… Thanks for the blog you have done great work.
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paulyp says:
Definitely disappointed. If we dont land a decent winger this team is in trouble again, were to good for the number one pick and maybe good for 7th or 8th in the east at the best( first round loss). The limbo we have been in since I was born is painful. I dont see how signing kovi would have have in any way possible shape or form been a bad thing. GArth knows by telling ESPN and TSN and NHL.com that we would find out and our hopes would skyrocket. By playing Lou and DEan what did we get out of this deal? I just dont understand
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Sounds like Garth offered Kovalchuk a deal like 3 yrs 33 million or 4 yr 44 million. Which gave Kovalchuk the best per yr offer(WHICH MEANS IT WAS A LEGITIMATE OFFER!) & it is a great offer from the Isles standpoint. No one should accuse the Isles of propaganda or rip Snow’s offer. One way or the other, the rumor would have come out that Isles were talking to Kovalchuk. Snow & the Isles did the Right Thing! I don’t understand the criticism here. Blaming the Isles for “getting my hopes up” is just dumb.
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jj 1243 then what would you call it? If you read cb post at 11:30 this morning on this thread he said the islanders were serious. REALLY? a short term deal for IK is not serious and this was a pure PR stunt to grab a headline for a floundering franchise and Snow and Wang led the fans and pulled at the heartstrings. THIS IS A GUT PUNCH.
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Why make the inquiry public. No one found that odd for a franchise who could be entrusted with government secrets without fear of them being leaked. Garth Snow is no chattie Kathy. So what was the motive? Why ask if Mary Sue is free to go to the prom if you don’t go through with it?
How can anyone think this team as constituted today, they are a playoff team?
Once again per CB, this would be the off season the Isles would pursue a key free agent or two to surround the young core of players. How frustrating!
You can’t tell me if your a ticket sales person in the Isles offices you don’t have the toughest job in the world. I’d love to hear why I should buy a ticket plan. I suppose we will hear last year’s sales pitch: watch the young players develop, support the team blah, blah blah.
Where is the entertainment value from a team that has not increased their chance of improvement while everyone else around them has?
Just asking.
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Strang says we are out of the hunt for Kovy.
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Move on people it was a long shot!!!
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Kevin post1281 those are not legitimate offers for a player like IK even after he turned down $112 million from ATL. If you turned down $112 million would you take $44million? No you would not. Garth is a bum and a bush leaguer. Hack job GM
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James #1248 – Did you watch him at all with the Devils? Kovalchuk is not horrible on defense. He’s just not known for it. Then again, neither was Mike Bossy and the Isles seemed to do pretty well with him playing wing on the first line. In fact, the Isles turned the corner after they drafted Bossy. Kovalchuk was a +10 this season and showed leadership qualities. He played with heart and grit with the Devils, showed he was a team player and his teammates loved him. If Lamirello traded for him and is willing to open up the check book to keep him,(something they have never done, Guerin, Holik, Neidermayer, Rafalski) then I have to believe he is worth it. Lou knows a little more about hockey than we do.
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CB you wrote on an earlier thread that if this was purely a PR stunt and garbage which we now know it was, then the org would get crucified. Well it is now time for you IPB, Newsday and tsn and all the other media outlets to take Snow and Wang to the woodshed. Totally discredit them as liars and inept and implore the commissioner to step in and do something about this. They led the fans on for what? a weekend of flury on the news? They had such a failure of free agency that every player they targeted not only didnt sign here but went within the division. Garth and Wang are complete failures. This organization is so unprofessional. I want to see them taken down. LIARS, ALL OF THEM
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Steve M says:
good thing CB is getting rid of this thread tomorrow, I’m tired of seeing Kovi and hearing about him.
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John says:
WOW! the whole thing was BS
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Whatever. Kicked the tires see what it would take. If they weren’t comfortable then move on. Kovy, while a tremendous talent doesn’t guarantee us a cup any more than he did Atlanta or Jersey.
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What a kick in the balls…
Pssshh..
If this is true, I am done. Really and truly done. What a fuki*G embarrassmnet this is…
An epic farce, and we bit hard, AGAIN…
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This is really a slap in the face to Isles fans. Why create a buzz if you can’t close the deal? On top of it, it looks like you will be outbid by a (relatively) local rival once again when it comes to splashing the cash. Looks like the rebuild will continue at a snail’s pace for another year and if the Isles aren’t a surprise team next year you’ll be right back here once again next summer. Wang’s really a very difficult owner to truly embrace. He’s done some good (helping to save the team years ago which I won’t forget), but the way he goes about many things in running the team is plain old odd. He also never seems to get things over the finish line. Everything is too protracted and drawn out, which leads you to question the soundness of any plan in the first place.
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JIsles, relax. What did Snow or Wang lie about? Snow addressed the rumor that the Isles were in on Kovy. He stated that they had preliminary talks. He nor Wang ever said we’d sign him for sure.
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ant says:
Snow is a joke(and Wangs puppet) and the organization is a joke.He should have kept his mouth shut and we wouldn’t have expected anything.
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Garth says he will always be after the top tier free agents. What BS. He will always put a half hearted effort. I don’t understand when this franchise will stop trying to cheat the fans. Do you think Garth will try for Ryan if he was made available? Of course not. I am starting to get the feeling that Jankowski is the main guy behind the rebuild and would make a better GM than Snow. I am really getting fed up with Snow.
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Whatever. Kicked the tires on Kovy. Not comfortable with what it would take and we move on. Kovy, while a tremendous talent does not guarantee us a cup any more than he did Atlanta or Jersey.
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#1301, problem is the Islanders weren’t outbid, they never actually bid themselves. If they wanted to, they could make the largest offer.
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I can get over the fact Kovalchuk didn’t sign here. I have been an Islander fan long enough to know never to expect ANY top-caliber free agent to sign here.
The fact most of us here CANNOT (and SHOULDN’T) get over was for the past 2 days we were told the Isles were seriously in on this and therefore we were under the belief (which the Isles leaked) that there was a VERY GOOD CHANCE at signing him.
I am livid at this point. I wasted my whole weekend checking these websites every 20 minutes for an announcement.
And CB, its not as easy as talking about Matt Moulson’s arbitration hearing and moving on from this…
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rpchief says:
I hear alot of people saying Garth is clueless. The way I see it, it’s the people that don’t get what slow and steady means. It’s easy to say spend the money, when its not yours.
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If the Isles were serious about IK we’d have never heard about the inquiry on Friday. When do they leak anything. They don’t. It was a PR move as far as Im concerned. One in which the agent was more than happy to be a part of. Well at least we got Mark Eaton and his 27 hits last season. If there is a softer D in the NHL I’d like to see it.
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If any of you are “done” as a result of what has transpired over the past 4 days, you never were fans of this team. The ramblings of some people on this website makes me sick. So we didn’t land Kovalchuk! Guess what, neither did 28 other NHL teams. Do you think their fans are sitting around blasting team ownership and management? Maybe one of the biggest problems facing the team is the over-abundant fair-weather fans on the Island. Those that are only willing to commit once the team starts winning. You want us to grab a top tier free agent? Get off your butt and go see a few games next year instead of whining on this site everyday. Write to your local politicians demanding they support Wang’s vision of a new arena. Elect representatives that support it. Do anything besides spewing the same “I give up on this team…I’m done….this team is a joke” crap we all read here day in and day out. Non one who cares about this club wants to hear your incessant whining.
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Fans…Stop overreacting to ownership and management. The only thing Snow said was he spoke to Kovy’s agent. That is all he said. He didn’t say he made an offer. It is the media and all of you on message boards and this twitter nonsense who make things up and get your hopes up. Don’t believe everything that is tweeted. Snow has done a brilliant job so far with this rebuild. In order to rebuild and get to the top, you have to hit rock bottom first. Snow was smart not to add free agents to this team during the last 2 offseasons. Spending money on players would land us in the middle of the draft every year and then it is a crap shoot. Drafting high over a couple of seasons is the only way this team was going to aquire talent. The Isles are now stocked with goaltending, defense an forward prospects. I strongly believe that this was the offseason to make the move in free agency and they tried. I would have pushed for Volchenkov over Martin or Hamhuis and we don’t know how hard he pushed for Kovalchuk. I still think we are in the mix. Bring Kovy to the Island Mr. Wang!!!!!!
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oh the humanity
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Viper says:
Fun while it lasted, but let’s move on. Back to the slow and steady rebuild that Garth seems to be doing very well.
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Manhattan Mike says:
Everything the paper writes is fictional. Nobody knows anything. Look at the draft. Nobody was correct – and these guys that predicted picks live hockey.
I dont expect to get Kovy- thats just the way the isles are. I credit Snow for trying to build a solid team with a floor salary cap. Wang who is a “business man” – may not know the the business 101 rule -You have to spend money to make money. Create a buzz on the ice and doors will open for your new arena. Its not rocket science.
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I’m sick and tired of being toyed around by this team there is a reason why I will NEVER buy season tickets, I would rather sit home and watch on HD where I can do other things while watching them. They are mocking our allegiance and Snow and Wang don’t realize the grief and flack we take because of how the organization is run. Yet they expect us to spend money. They will never get my money besides a random game I take my daughter too.
They need Bobby Ryan who is going to take 6 mill per which will cost us a 1st 2nd and 3rd next year as a restricted free agent.
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Let’s all have our friends call the Isles tomorrow and “inquire” about buying large numbers of season tickets based upon signing Kovy!
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Do you think LA Kings fans are going this nuts? Let see, the Kings have won how many cups in their 43 year history? If Snow never makes a call, he is a bum. Now he makes a call, its hyped by the media, and he is still a bum. Do I like every thing Snow has done? No way, the team is still to soft and small, but give the guy a break.
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Well, I was going to buy tickets for the home opener and a few other games. Thats out.
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For the people that are saying that we aren’t fans to begin with you don’t know everyone’s situation….I was born in 79 so I missed all of the cups and good Islander teams. I would say I started really following hockey in 88 so that is 22 years of bad teams and SLOW AND STEADY rebuilds. I think Rome was built in less time. Everyone has their breaking point. I will always be an Islander fan but they won’t get my money.
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again, i’m not sure if i even wanted kovi on this team or not but you can’t blame the fans for being dissappointed again but just like 1310 said 28 other teams didn’t get him either.
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I guess its for the best, just wish that certain someone didnt lie saying there was a 10 year 100mill offer when they never even made one! Sigh, well it was fun, lets keep things in perspective and get some solid players and look to the future!
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AB07 says:
Well thats it for me…I cant stand another year…its been 20 painful years, and a heart tearing final 3 years…No Kovy….unexceptable…there is no reason at all why he is not an islander..Im out.
Lets Go Avalanche! -
Isles Fan in FL says:
If Snow didn’t inquire about Kovi you same people would be complaining about Garth showing no interest. You cant complain about him not wanting to give a very high long term contract. Though it might get us to the floor now, it could very well hurt us in the future. Garth’s done a pretty good job of not overpaying & drafting legit prospects. Building thru the draft is the right way & were getting there. Our hope lies in our young guys getting better (JT KO Shremp Comeau Bailey) & hopefully some of the prospects work out. When the situation presents itself hopefully we’ll land a top FA at the time. Lets move on.
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For me its not about not getting him it is about being duped into thinking we had a shot. The Isles should have just come out and said the rumors were untrue ASAP, instead of letting it languish.
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Bobby Ryan is the wrong way to go because you give up too much. Snow never played with any of the fans, actually it was the media who take no responsibility with how they twitter garbage. Where did the 10/10 number come from? Dreger. Who reported the Isles interest wasn’t sincere? Adrian Dart. Time for Islander fans to read through the lines of lies that the media they look to for Islander criticism offers.
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Well looks like the Devils will have Kovalchuk and Brodeur together for some time. Nice to be a NJ fan.
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Staple from Newsday just posted at good article about how you can talk short term with Kovi and STILL be serious. It comes down to this. Imagine Kovi wants a max contract, long term contract. The 10/10 thing we’ve been hearing. Kings don’t want to do that, Devils can’t afford that. Islanders ask, if we give you max, will you accept a short deal with full intention of signing if Kovi says yes. Isles is the ONLY team to go max, but only short term. Kovi says “maybe” while he waits to see if someone will offer both long and large. Negotiations with other teams demonstrate he doesn’t need a short contract even if max is not our there, and tells Isles no. Isles are out.
And Garth didn’t lie. His ONLY comment was that he was kicking the tires on Friday, and that came AFTER the bogus LA Times 10/10 article. He basically denied it, but conceded conversation ONLY. Then it went internet kablooey. Bottom line, I look at our potential, and I trust Garth. And I feel good about the Isles, even today.
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You could also look at this as Snow getting some nice publicity for the other free agents that are still on the shelf. Now any forward Snow decides to sign will seem like he is the Plan B to Kovalchuk – which isnt too shabby.
Damn – isles dont have anyone that when they get the puck – you start to get up out of your seat. Kovy would have been nice.
Stay tuned for Katie Strangs report of whether or not I attend opening night. She may twitter it so check there too!
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ZZZZZ says:
Well, the Isles can now overpay for second and third line crappola and they HAVE TO SPEND to even reach the CAP FLOOR.
34 years with this team, it’s getting real hard to support them anymore, real hard.
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While I am very disappointed, I also relaized that at the asking price and the present situation this was a poor marriage. Snow did his due diligence, but also is probably making the best choice. I think many of us lost our heads at the prospect of “now” star coming into our lineup, but I think most of us had some apprehension and know this is likely for the best.
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Why are there people on here criticizing Kovy for not choosing to sign with us…. ummm hello people, our idiot GM never even gave him an offer. He did not even try. It was the same thing he did with Martin and Hamhuis, just trying to make excuses. We had the rare chance to get one of the most talented, exciting players in the league for nothing but money and Snow could not even get it done. There will not be another sniper like Kovy on the open market for a long time.
Once again, it is clear in all of the stories and reports so please do not try to spin it… Garth Snow did not even make a legit effort to sign Kovy. And just like another poster said, he is the most smug obnoxious idiot ever, you would never know he was the GM of a team that finished in the bottom 5 of the league for 3 straight seasons. I dont even know why I continue to even give a crap about this team. -
My thought is this. If we are out and the kings are out and the Devils are the only ones left, why hasnt he signed with them?
Maybe we can pry zajac and a 1st out of dirty jersey?
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Perhaps I’ll become a Flyers fan, this team is killing me.
1. Better coach
2. Team spends money and seems to care about their fans
3. Rich history
4. They can’t disappointment me much more than I have been for the past 10+ years -
C.J. says:
Anyone who spends so much as A DIME on this team prior to Wang showing you commitment and a willingness to spend and put a proper product on the ice is an absolute fool!!!
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WTF? All I can say is “huh”? What the heck was all this? A PR stunt that failed miserably?
I wrote the other day that once it got out the Isles could not afford to rip their fans hearts out again. I said it would be another kick to the groin the fans don’t need but here it is. Now Snow is saying it was never that serious? Seems to conflict with what everyone else is saying.
Philly improved their defense this summer.
NJ at least improved their defense and added a big center, perhaps Kovi too.
Rangers well they still suck but Boogard is going to beat the hell out of the Isles.
Pitt added two good d-men.
Isles….uh…er…hmm kicked some tires and lost out on every FA they targeted (I know they signed some guys but Konopka is the only interesting one).An agent stated the other day that Snow had Doug Weight recruiting players, now I understand why Weight got another years contract. With all his injuries and lack of production it made no sense to me until I found out he was the recruiter. Has not worked and what a waste of a roster spot.
This defense should be Streit, Hillen, Hamonic. Eaton and Jurcina might be suitable to battle it out for the 6th spot but 7th sounds better. Isles still lack the 2-3 d-men.
Snow showed once again he cannot get the deal done. He cannot sign top FA’s, he can’t take advantage of teams with cap issues, and he can’t make any trades that improve the club that do not involve draft picks. He fails every summer to land FA’s. When was the last trade he made for a player? I’m not talking the career minor league guys who play in Bridge but an actual trade? Smyth he did fine in that but couldn’t retain the player. He traded a 2nd rounder for the Russian winger from Washington that maybe played a game or two before disappearing. Was it him or Milbury that traded a pick for the Russian D-man from Chi with all kinds of issues that flaked out and played one game?
I am loving the draft picks and the future can be good but eventually Snow is going to have to show he is a full-fledged GM and that he can close deals.
At this moment in time, this is not a playoff team. Avery is going to have a field day injuring the Isles goalies. Defense is still soft and not that good.
If Bieksa is available Snow better get him and he better find a few others. Now that there is no Kovi he better find a big Gaustaud type center.
To his credit he finally cleaned house in the big club and Bridge but he has a few more guys who must go in Geravis, Martinek and Hunter. Schremp improved but he appears to be the one moveable center as they like Tavares, Nielsen too much. I am guessing Bailey is still the LW.
You couldn’t afford to let us down so bad, to give us another crushing defeat and heartbreak Snow/Wang but you did it and I believe you damaged the reputation of the franchise even further and will have an even tougher time attracting FA’s.
Except for the draft it is very hurtful to be an Islander fan.
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Garth Snow is using Katie Strang like a puppet on strings. There is no way the Isles offered a short term contract when every other team was offering a long term. IK may choose to go somewhere else but im sure he put in a decent offer. This thing is not over yet and if it was the Devils it would have been sealed already. My opinion which means nothing is….. Devs were the best offer. IK was ready to sign today and the Isles or another team came in with a heavy offer that was better then the Devs. Im not saying it was the Isles but why would the agent tweet “announcement today” and then nothing….. We are all caught up in the games being played be agents, players and GM’s
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Paul says:
Bad job by the Isles–They have no one to blame for building expectations, but themselves. They are media savvy enough to realize letting any rumors sit out there for 48+ hours will only build the highest of expectations. You can’t have the media work one way for you one way (leak higher offers for UFAs) and be shocked when at least half of your fanbase is devastated that in actuality you put forth minimal effort in try to sign the biggest UFA fish available. Kovy’s demands were well reported, a long term big $ deal is what was being sought. In the final analysis the Isles put in a call to say hi, let their fanbase be swooped up in a 24hr sports media cycle and then looked around say–”What us? we didn’t lie (they didn’t) we always call FAs that are in demand”
And guys wills always ask out better looking women when they know what the answer will be–I guess the Isles were hoping to get lucky!
Very disappointing! -
The joke, once again, is on us fans.
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did everyone forget what kovalchuk did for devils last year. Nothing. they were ousted in first round.
Im glad Snow didnt overpay. In fact i think he playing some chess. Im thinking he came out for Kovy just to drive him price up for these teams looking at him.
We signed a few NHL dman to help streit. Lets stick to plan. We will find a few more others to add in.
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Thrilled!!! Happy to be an Isles fan. I now have more faith in the long-term building plan. No player is worth that $$ for that long of term. It would have dammed the psyche of the team and delayed the development of others b/c they would have relied on one player too much.
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miket: You think it’s nice to be a Devils fan? How much did the Kovy trade pay off for you last year? The guy has won ONE playoff game in his career. Brodeur has nothing left. Good luck.
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I agree it was a disappointment to find out the Isles are out, but truely were we ever in it? I mean it was said on saturday that Garth only made a call, and no offer was made, it was all speculation. I do wish they would have made atleast a 5 year offer to get something on the board. I am tired of the 10-15 year contracts, they are BS and are a risk. I hold both a Yashin and DIPI jersey in my closet and we all know the troubles!!! Let Garth do his work! Did we all even think KOVO would really come to Long Island, hes a joke, he wanted out of ATLANTA to go to a winner, and didnt even sign with them, and they have won 3 cups since the late 90s. LET IT GO, and let the other free agents know we still want to make this team better. GET IT DONE GARTH!!!
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bryan says:
Nothing like Snow and Wang toying with their already teetering fans. Way to win the respect, boys.
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mmmmmm cm ….. kinda like how we used to rely on bossy>? you r absolutely brilliant…..
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I agree it was a disappointment to find out the Isles are out, but truely were we ever in it? I mean it was said on saturday that Garth only made a call, and no offer was made, it was all speculation. I do wish they would have made atleast a 5 year offer to get something on the board. I am tired of the 10-15 year contracts, they are BS and are a risk. I hold both a Yashin and DIPI jersey in my closet and we all know the troubles!!! Let Garth do his work! Did we all even think KOVO would really come to Long Island, hes a joke, he wanted out of ATLANTA to go to a winner, and didnt even sign with them, and they have won 3 cups since the late 90s. LET IT GO, and let the other free agents know we still want to make this team better.
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#1329, CJ is right. We have been hearing the same BS for the past 3 years. Wang has all the power and Garth is his puppet. Why do you think Neil Smith was fired? Wang knows nothing about hockey yet calls all the shots. It was his idea to give Yashin that ridiculous contract. It was his idea to give DiPietro that other ridiculous contract. It was his idea to fire a real GM after 40 days because he wouldnt let the GM do his job like every other GM. Committee system? Which he ended up ditching anyhow. It was idea to hire a backup goalie with no gm experience to run our team. Now, in a desperate ploy to save face with people who waste their money on his team, he tries a last minute move to secure the best free agent out there. He is a fool and he should sell the team and spare us any further follies. Tavares or no Tavares, NYI fans do not deserve to be treat like crap. He expects fans to buy season tickets as he picks players off the scrap heap to fill out our roster! SELL THE TEAM! PLEASE!
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i’d be somewhat okay with this if there were some options for a Plan B, but there aren’t.
i really never expected a speedy rebuild, but if we got it, i wouldn’t complain.
but the slow route is really too painful and honestly keeps my money in my pocket as well.pretty hypocritical considering i’m going to the scrimmage saturday, but that will be it, until i’m convinced this team is being put together to win, or they pull together and have an awesome year.
what really annoys me is other people out there pointing fingers at this blog as if it’s looking for more hits. ridiculous…this site generates a ton of hits at any point in the season, or just about anything.
i’m not sure why some people still bother calling themselves fans. the disdain for the team and management is just unhealthy. maybe it’s time people do call their allegiance quits. i understand the frustration, and i share it too…but some people are just ridiculous.i do wish all of us fans (or former fans) just get the truth.
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@1133….I am sure you are correct, I am positive that JT didn’t want Kovy here. It is best to put all the pressure on a 19 year old. It is amazing how some fans will think of anything to justify this team.
“This Live Blog will self-destruct at some point on Tuesday morning.”
ROFL!!!! Good one Botta.
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brooklyn george says:
Why don’t all of you complainers just take a chill pill before you give yourselves a heartattack in this heat. I’m also annoyed about this, but seriously stop blaming Snow and Wang. They didn’t cause any buzz or hype like some suggested, it was the media and us fans who wanted this bad. Snow just said that he inquired. He never said were in the race for this guy and we are going after him seriously. Never, you fans did. As much as I wanted him too I do not see paying him 10 mil. a year as many suggested. What should Ovechkin ask for then 15-20 mil. a year cause Ovie can do it all and lets not forget how many goals he scores.
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JTonelli says:
Mr. Wang,
I hope that you DO read these blogs, and understand that for the most part fans will no longer support an organization that is not willing to give anything back to their fans.Please do not insult us fans, by having your sales agents call us to promote season tickets to a team that we do not feel will be suitable to SERIOUSLY contend for the Stanley Cup. This is NOT to say that in this Kovalchuk episode you have done the right or wrong thing; but more to say that you MUST do more to speed up the process of getting a Stanley Cup contender on the ice. We all understand that you need to recoup loses incurred during your ownership period. Many of these loses occurred by mistakes that YOU made, both in your failure to understand the game of hockey, and by your misguided hirings that have led you down this path of failure. I, for one, actually believe that the team IS heading in the right direction. If not for numerous defensive giveaways, repetitive Okposo post and crossbar hits that could have been goals,failure of anyone to keep our players from being manhandled, and by vast amount of injuries to a team that could ill afford them, the Islanders may have actually been a playoff team this past season. I certainly believe in my heart that Kyle WILL be a force this year, as will Bailey, Tavares and many others, and will lead the Islanders to more advanced improvement. Some of the recent acquisitions have no doubt shored up many of last seasons failings.
However, spending YOUR money to get a player of Kovalchuks abilities may have sealed the deal to righting your (our) ship, for now, and the future.
You have not been around the Islanders long enough to understand that the ONLY thing that YOU MUST supply the fans, is to put a winning hockey product on the ice. We fans, for the most part, could care less about Coliseum amenities. We just want to see Islander PLAYOFF hockey. We will fill your seats, as we did throughout all those wonderful years of the past.
Please do the right thing NOW, and, think hard as to how you will approach this next important chapter in your ownership of this once PROUD organization.
We fans, will support YOU, if YOU support US.
Thank you on behalf of all Islander fans and ticket holder since the early days. -
Yashin for President says:
I just used Kovy on NHL 2010 with the Isles and he wasnt a good fit. We will be fine without him. All joking aside, I am still pumped for our prospects and cant wait for saturday.
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Snow knew the numbers> brooklyn guy. if he wasnt interested in pursuing ilya why inquire? he played all of us. including cb who did not do his himework…
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@1332….he had 6 pts in 5 games. How is it his fault?
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I was considering getting a tix plan and going to the prospect game this weekend, now scratch both of those off. Once again, if we made an actual strong offer to Kovy and he turned us down I would be pissed at him. But this is our clown of a GM again making himself look like a fool and just opening himself up to be hated by the fans. It is like he is rubbing it in our faces.
All of the money they would have made in Kovy jerseys and tix sales would have made up for his salary. God forbid this team ever signs anybody for more than 1-2 years. Besides streit, when is the last time we have signed an NHL CALIBER player for more than 2 years as a FA, not one of our own players. -
hey ny711ot now youre saying a g.m. should not inquire if he is not interested. Come on. No you played yourself just like every fan who wanted to believe.
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not sure what you men? If you are questioning Ilya’a talenty then you may still be learning the game. He is a ttrmendous talent who hasnt even scratched the surface
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Sean G says:
What gets me still is how many of my fellow fans fall victim to believing that ANY TOP TIER UFA will sign here! Have you people not gotten into your heads YET that NO ONE will sign here with the state of the franchise as it is?! A dump for an arena, the fact they they have been the joke of the NHL for most of the last 20 seasons in so many aspects, a clown of an owner, and awful attendance. The only way that, at this minute, any top tier UFA would sign here is if the Isles actually had won something at this stage of the rebuild, i.e. a playoff round. Since that has not happened, and is virtually impossible to have happened anyway based on our youth and lack of talent, the team must at least make some type of noise for any top tier UFA to overlook all of the other garbage I stated above. Seriously, why would you come here if you were a UFA and a legit franchise offered you around the same money, even if it was less than what the Isles would offer you? If you were a UFA at this juncture, and were all about winning, you would not sign with the New York Islanders.
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1338, im with you. think there are too many people that dont know enough about the game that post nonsence. everyone gets all exited about the guys that put up goals. players like kovalchuck get shut down when the play gets nasty. he cannot be compared to ove or crosby, they do so much more than score…and to the people that say hossa is so overated (i dont think he should make as much as he does) did you see the playoffs? winning hockey is about puck control, i’d kill for us to have a player like him. even if he’s not scoring he does everything else.
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I can’t wait to see how many people cancel their season ticket packages tomorrow. This was suppossed to be the summer that really takes the team to the next level. We were in a perfect situation to make this team better with crap players like Sim, Jackman, Park, Tamby, Weight coming off the books, and we replace them with Milan Jurcina? Are you kidding me???? Is that really the best we could do? I hate to say it boys and girls, regardless if we landed Kovy or not, we did not make this team better this summer, so far. With the Devils,Penguins,Thrashers, and Flyers all gaining more strength in the lineup, I really don’t believe this team will have any sort of success or improvement next year. I hope the top 5 picks in next years draft have some decent talent, I feel another lottery coming on. You may disagree if you want, and say what you will….but let’s be real. Milan Jurcina and PA Parenteau is not going to lead us to the promise land. Wang, do us all a favor and sell this F’ing team so we can pack up and move to Canada. Atleast then we might be able to lure some decent players….
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Garth Snow STATED that the Isles were IN but haven’t prepared a contract offer ‘YET’!!! If what Katie Strang has reported is true he roped us in with deception,whether intentional or worse yet,unintentionally. Worse because under that circumstance he stupidly failed to realize the pain and disappointment he would ultimately inflict on his fanbase. How many times must this ill equipped out of touch people tug at our hearts and come up empty. Unless there is anything explained to the contrary,Snow and or Wang,thought this was an opportunity to placate the fan and put on a show. If not,Garth should have at least displayed the courtesy of quelling the reports and admitting he didn’t see the Isles as serious contenders for Kovalchuk making the Holiday weekend abit more enjoyable. He didn’t,making it obvious to me,this was a PR ruse. He couldn’t have picked a worse time to do it,because now it is reasonable to believe this SLOW rebuild is actually a disguise for SLOW investment in personnel improvement. Our rebuild currently consists of unsigned juniors, inexpensive entry contracts,and with the exception of Mark Steit,cost efficient veterans. Interesting that this SLOW Build,3,4,or 5 year program(keeping payroll in check) basically coincides with the uncertainty of the future of this Franchise. This “we are not at the stage of this process where it would be feasible to add elite veterans?” If only there would be an element of honesty here and the word ‘expensive’ replaced elite,perhaps stepping up would take some of the sting out of,if I could speak for some,’our’ anger and disgust. I can completely understand Wang resorting to an austerity state of mind until he knows what the hell direction his Franchise is headed,frustrating as it may be to the fan. Don’t pee on my leg and tell me its raining is all I ask! This Kovalchuk nonsense literally went too far. If Snow used his noodle and understood people,he would have completely refuted these needlessly exciting reports immediately! How the heck can we trust anything that is said or done around here any longer? Innuendo builds perception. In our heart of hearts,if its something we want to hear and believe it becomes reality. That is human nature. Garth doesn’t seem to understand that!! Shame on them all!!
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brooklyn. 10 mill aside did you want the guy? Of course you did. Now throw the 10mill in the mix…..We are nowhere near the cap floor. In 10 years at the current pace we will continue to find ourselves well below the minimum. What should you care about payroll? Maybe the Chicago model is the winning model…Secure the best 2-5 talentS and make changes from there. I am tired of losing…and without a push from a marquee player (that we should hope we cant get through the draft)the rebuild is doomed to be mediocre. It won’t fail but it won’t ever have consequence without a super talent like Kovalchuk.
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Bobby Ryan. American. Young. Fast. Can Score. Will prob be had for 6-7 million with an offer sheet. I will be much happier with something like this than an overrated player like Kovalchuck.
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and brooklyn seeing the reaction do you think it was a good idea to inquire if he wasnt interested? There are 27 or so other gms who chose not to…..
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What an absolute disgrace….As Usual…
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danny2316 says:
Im livid right now. the islanders have 2 major problems as an organization right now.
1. top tier free agents not wanting to come here.
2. they cant score goals on a consistent basis
they could have laid to rest both of those problems in 1 shot. blow IK out of the water with money that they HAVE TO SPEND and it adds instant credibility to the franchise and by the way also helps out with their goal scoring problem. they have tons of young players and this would have been a perfect time to throw an elite top level player into the mix and they totally whiffed on it. then gave some bullshit explanation as to why they left everyone out to dry to 3 days.
get you act together garth.
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Nick says:
So dissappointed I really thought they had a serious chance at him, dunno why I would ever think that being an Isles fan.
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Steve M says:
Snow should’ve kept is mouth shut about it. But, yes, go sign Bobby Ryan and Frolov.
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Lets not even talk about Bobby Ryan, we don’t need any more disappointments, plus he is RFA and Ducks aren’t going to let him go.
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ars9x says:
This is not the end of the world or the Islanders. I do not buy into these conspiracy theories about it all being BS from the start and us fans being taken for a ride. What good would ever come from Garth and co. if they did that? How could they think for a moment that was a good idea? I believe there was an inquiry, that’s it, and it wasn’t met with enthusiasm from IK’s camp. The end. Maybe we all got wrapped up in the media and rumors, maybe Garth and co. should have spoken sooner if they knew we were not doing a deal. We will never know what really happened so let’s move on. I’m glad it’s over, let the other teams pay too much for too long. Keep the slow and steady rebuild. I BELIEVE.
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I really hope we don’t pick up Frolov. The problem with Frolov is he has a style that appears as though he isn’t trying. When everything works he looks very slick. He is in the right place to exploit offensive openings and lead the Kings attack. When things don’t work he doesn’t find those openings and often is invisible. It is a style of play issue that makes him appear to be not trying. The language and culture barrier with Frolov since he is Russian is also an issue. He is not as easy for a coach to motivate.
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this team rules
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Relax Islander fans. You will be glad we didn’t get this guy for the amount he was going to be paid. 8.5 million for Kovalchuk from the Devils which meant we had to be some where around 9 to 9.5 million. 8.5 million is a overpaying a little bit but not crazy. 9 to 9.5 is way too much for him. Snow will sign some talent. Relax. I am waiting to see what Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey look like in 2 years. Even Washington is going to be in big trouble in two years with salary cap issues. The Islanders will be one of the teams that are going to benefit when they are ready to compete for the top 4 seedings in the Eastern conference in two years. This is great news that we didn’t get Kovalchuk. Smart move Snow. We weren’t going to win the Stanley Cup this year people.
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Jim Clark says:
Back to the slow and steady rebuild. Although I wish the Islanders had signed Kuryakin, I really can’t blame Mr Wang for not doing so. He has lost a lot of money on this team over the last decade. Very rich people seldom spend their own money on a sports team..and the Islanders are the only major sports team in Nassau/Suffolk.
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lou just screwed himself cap wise. I was torn and excited take a step back if we had to do ten years Iam glad we are out. Screw it go hard for Parise he is worth 8 mill next summer give the kids one more year before we can jump on them to win games. call up martin and jesse give a few one year coracts (give moulson his raise) to make the floor and truly finish this rebuild. Deep down Garth know those lengthy contract we handed out were a mistake and he wont fall into that trap. If you want someone head find the guy who said we offered a 10 and 10 deal (kovy agent). At least we found out garth made efforts to make offers to several player and he recognized the size issue and addressed it his way through the draft. One move Iam shaking my head over f its true? If chicago offered dustin b (not gonna try to spell it) ad a few others for 2nrd pck and andy mac and second level prospects I would have done it? anyway.
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before anyone says to sign bobby ryan remember he is a restricted free agent and if we float an offer sheet to him< you can bet for sure it will come back to haunt us when Tavares KO and Bailey are rfa’s
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toorude says:
now what?
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By using Garth Snow’s logic, if he’s doing his job right, he should be calling the Penguins to inquire whether they are interested in trading Sidney Crosby for Trent Hunter and/or DP. Then he can leak that he’s “in” on trading for Crosby. He is just pathetic!
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Ok, I’m over it. thanks for the islanders fireworks over the long weekend. Now stay cool everyone and hope the power stays on.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
Thanks for all of the great work Chris! Enjoy your summer and hope to see IPB up and running by training camp.
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I’m not going to scorch Garth for inquiring about Kovy … Where I blame the organization is that they let it get out of control. There is no way you can tell me that anyone from the front office didn’t know about the energy from the fan base that was generated the last 80+ hours of this holiday weekend.
The organization fed the frenzy … Although I never heard Garth say we are going to go hard after Kovy. “Preliminary talks”. Infact on NHL radio Saturday he said the rumors of an offer are false. He said someone came up with 10 years at 10M, and we haven’t even drawn up a proposal. I posted that on this thread. Garth said they’re looking into it responsibly, and if it fits for both parties they’ll present an offer.
So I’m not upset Kovy isn’t signed … infact I’m kinda relieved. I am just disappointed that once again the Isles failed to manage fan expectations. I think they underestimate the fans dire thirst for some star power to amp the lineup.
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Everyone needs to take a step back for a sec and think about this. All Garth said was that he made inquires and he wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t. It was the media that wrote about the 10 year/$100 million. It was the Media that said the Isles are front runners because we have the money. CB himself said if Wang wanted him, he could have him. Bottom line….The Isles really never gave false hope to us fans….blame the media. I expect Snow to make a call, I’m assuming he has for meny of the UFA’s. As a UFA, they have a choice and when the Isles are just one option, it tends to be the last option. That will change as we get better from within……but not now.
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Jim S says:
Only an idiot would think the islanders could sign Kovalchuck to a short term deal. They’re not Detroit, they didn’t just win a stanley cup, and Kovalchuck isn’t Marion Hossa.
Since I don’t think Snow is an idiot I think it reflects poorly on him to say the isles are in when they weren’t going to make a genuine mega offer it would take to land him.
And he could’ve done the fan base a favor and squashed the rumor of $100 million being on the table.
Garth is not smooth at BSing so he should be a straight shooter. My only disappointment is the way he handled it.
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With the first pick in the 2011 NHL entry draft the New York Islanders select…..
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I’m OK with not signing a difficult to manage contract at this point. But I’m still real concerned that our best young players simply aren’t that good. I don’t see Baily being more than a decent third line or maybe second line player. KO is a huge disappointment to me and I doubt he’ll ever be more than a 20 goal scorer who doesn’t play a physical game. Tavares is legit, but limited. We better hope that the new prospects are better than the current prospects. At some point we will need to sign someone like Kovy or I’m afraid that we will never be more than a 1 or 2 round playoff team.
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garths sleeping says:
guys WAKE UP!!! Charles Wang did not buy the islanders because he enjoyed hockey..it is part of his big picture. HE COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THE TEAM. If his project does not get done, he dumps the team and moves on. All the money he has lost with the isles is ” part of doing business” and Wang will write it off as a loss at tax time. People dont for one second think that Mr Wang has your best intrest in mind
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Mike says:
Let’s all talk about Alexander Frolov and Bobby Ryan now. Neither of these players are coming here either. I guess we should all just be thankful that we got Zenon Konopka and P.A. Parenteau.
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JAM says:
Do other fans from other team go through what we go through?
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Listen, no Kovalchuk + no Lighthouse= just another day as an Isles fan.
Really, what did we all expect? When did we EVER sign a top tier free agent?Seriously?
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Just when you think they can’t let you down any further….Why even acknoweldge the possibility of signing a real free agent if you aren’t even going to make an offer. I have defended garth and co. in the past, but this past week has been a debacle: (1) admitting to offering free agents more $$ to come here and still not getting them (great morale booster for current squad); (2) signing a rag-tag group of 4 liners and 7th defensemen; (3) getting fans hope up about Ilya only to discover that they never made an offer…pathetic. I am more convinced than ever that Garth is in over his head. Ilya would have fit nicely into this rebuild; he would have given us some star power while tavares (and ONLY tavares develops into a star–Bailey and Okposo will be good players MAX); and he gets us to the cap floor. They played this terribly. I feel like I did when Turgeon got blindsided by Hunter…
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horrible. No reason to lose sleep over signing or watching the games. This was a layup. Makes too much sense to let him get away
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I’m not crushed about not getting Kovulchuk. And I know Garth “technically” said this or said that. But really, he knew what was going on and that the Isles really never had a chance. When the entire hockey world lit up about the Isles being serious contenders for Kovy, and Isles fans were hitting refresh on their browsers every five seconds for updates, Garth could have cleared the air further. To not even make an offer? Sorry, that’s hardly “legitimate” interest, imo, and not worth the hype over the last four days.
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AngryPete says:
I wonder which one of our 4 Cups we’ll be foreced to celebrate this year. Maybe we can retire Randy Wood’s number. That’ll do it! Then we’ll forget everything!
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Healy says:
Step back from the ledge! I get it, this team has broken our hearts over and over but lets look at the facts here. I would like to have Kovalchuck on the Island but there are a few things to consider:
A week ago, no one even bothered thinking about Kovy as we all assumed he wasn’t going to come here. Now he’s suddenly the final piece of the puzzle that a playoff spot, the stanley cup, the lighthouse project all rest on?
Snow and Wang are doing their due diligence (ie their jobs) to see what it would take to get him here and we go ballistic because we hear on twitter that we are “out of it”? Fact is we don’t know what’s actually happening behind the scenes. Maybe Garth thought the cost was going to be too much and would upset what he’s trying to do.
Not saying the current GM has all the answers. But I think he’s paying entirely too much for previous administrations’crimes. Step back from the ledge! The Hawks, Pens, Wings, etc found a way to win without IK. And happy belated 4th!
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Chris Botta will be on xm nhl home ice in a few minutes
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develop people how? Kovalchuk played alone in ATL all these years and just racked up stats.
ATL had its best last year after he was gone. One player does not make a team.
If Broduer cant carry the devils, the addition of Kovy and Vochenkov wont matter.
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Did anyone really think we’d get Kovy? We are already paying over $12 million in salaries this season to guys that won’t be playing for the Isles (Yashin-$4.75 million, Witt-$3million and DP- $4.5 million). Because of Wang’s mistakes, he’s taken the Isles out of the big name free agent signings for years to come. You think he would have learned after the Yashin contract, but he went and did the same with DP and extended the Witt contract 3 years. The good news, it looks like he finally learned his lesson.
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Isles81 says:
I’ve often said that this team will not spend, we are playing next season with the same cast of characters plus of minus some “C” and “D” level free agents. They can “talk” all they want but their actions tell you that they are running the team out of a shoebox.
It looks just like it is, make it appear we are making serious offers to top level UFA’s so that you have cloud cover, then go out and pick up the scraps to cobble together a team for the fall. This is what its going to be until there is some news on the LH.
Hopefully the kids continue to mature and the added size we signed will protect them. Also we gotta hope for a resolution to the LH mess. Looks like a non-playoff year ahead but hopefully the kids will continue to improve and make it an exciting year.
9 mil 6 years!!! lets do this