Before I begin my article I would like to say that my prayers and thoughts are with the Burke family. I'm not married nor do I have any children and have been fortunate in my life to never lose anyone extremely close, however, I would imagine that a parent losing their child would be the absolute worst. It's crazy to that only a few short months ago I was watching Brendan Burke on a TSN telecast talking about how he had openly admitted to his family and teammates that he was gay. The courage it took him to do something of that nature is beyond anything I can imagine. In addition, to think that a college student would “put themselves out there” like that should also be commended. I truly believe that him doing that interview with TSN will go a long way in future years for other gay athletes, both at the professional and amateur level. R.I.P Brendan.
On My Mind
Have to say I am super excited now that more trades are taking place. I've always been a big fan of trades, whether it be in the NHL, my fantasy leagues, or ANYWHERE!! It just makes things more exciting and generates more discussion, which is what I crave. So what a better place to start this week's column than with the Kovalchuk trade.
I honestly think it was a pretty good trade for both teams. If I had to pick a winner I would pick the Devils though. Lots of people have argued that Atlanta could have got more and I agree they could have and in honesty I bet they were offered BETTER players; however, people tend to forget that it is Atlanta who made the trade and financial restraints were a factor. I'm sure Calgary would have traded Phaneuf or Jokinen (both players are better than any received from New Jersey), maybe even both, for Kovalchuk, even just as a rental, but there is no way Atlanta wanted to take on that much salary. I find it hard to believe the contract Waddel even offered Kovalchuk because of the amount. I have also heard people suggest that New Jersey got ripped off. I don't see it that way. New Jersey gave up Oduya, who is a solid defenseman but will never be a 1 or 2 defenseman. I will admit though that New Jersey definitely needs to trade for a defenseman to shore up their back end. It doesn't have to be an All-Star calibre defenseman but they do need more depth with the loss of Oduya. Bergfors is definitely having a good rookie campaign, however, I still don't see him ever as more than a 3rd line player and maybe a 2nd liner at best. When Elias and Clarkson come back (along with Kovalchuk) the depth up front is ridiculous and Bergfors was easily expendable. The 1st round pick was obviously going to be thrown in any trade, however, with the swapping of 2nd rounders the loss of the Devil's 1st rounder is alot easier to take. Not surprised that New Jersey traded away Cormier, Lou is one of the smartest in the league and knows it's always a safe bet to avoid distractions of any sort. They received a top end talent who has barely had solid linemates (Heatley and Hossa for short periods) over his career.
I keep hearing people say that Kovalchuk is a 'jerk', selfish or a 'terrible person'. I have never met him but I don't believe those rumours for a second. Now I'm not going to suggest that Kovalchuk backchecks consistently but thats not his game and the Devils knew this when they traded for him, however, being given the 'Captaincy' in the NHL doesn't get given out easily or lightly and I can assure you that if Kovalchuk was a 'jerk' or a selfish person he would have never been given the opportunity to wear the 'C' for Atlanta. One last thing regarding this trade is whether Kovalchuk will just be a rental and that he's an awful person for not signing that massive extension that Waddel reportedly offered. First regading Kovalchuk being a rental. As I mentioned earlier Lou is a genius! Do people think he became an idiot or sucker overnight? I already thought New Jersey would have a good chance to compete for the Eastern Conference title before this trade and after it they might just become the favourite in the East. They definitely have the depth at forward and goaltending to make a run. It is because of that depth if Kovalchuk decides to walk the loss wouldn't be that great to New Jersey and if they win the Cup and Kovalchuk walks away then the trade will obviously go down as a success either way. The second thing is obviously regarding Kovalchuk not signing the extension. I don't believe that if it is true that he wanted max money that he will get it from any team in the NHL. I don't think he is worth it and I think it would be foolish to spend the max on a player such as Kovalchuk, although I do consider him one of the few game changers in the NHL right now. I wouldn't be surprised if he went to the KHL next year. Would I care? Definitely. I watch the NHL to see the best players in the world. Saying that, I wouldn't be all that surprised either if he returned to Atlanta if he didn't go to the KHL and actually wants to play in the best league in the world. I don't think there is anything wrong with him turning down the offer just to see what else is out there or what other teams are interested. He was in his 8th season with the Thrashers and they never appeared willing to commit to winning and signing those big name free agents.
Thanks for reading....And whatever became of Pat Falloon?
No comments:
Post a Comment