Comments on: Kovalchuk out 4 weeks with foot fracture

By: Miami Screaming Eagle

Miami Screaming Eagle — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:08:53 +0000

Kovalchuk-at what point do the Thrashers fish or cut bait?
At what point if he’s not signed do they start the process of trying to get something for him?

I am not being negative by asking real, honest and important questions. Stop talking and sign the darn contract so this team can concentrate about their long term future. I am getting tired of reading about it and talking about it.

Anyone who doesn’t think this is becoming a distraction is a total idiot. Sorry for being so blunt, but…..

By: ranallo10 (in AT)

ranallo10 (in AT) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:57:24 +0000

“Ask the guy who was on the losing end of the last two Stanley Cup Finals how cherry-picking your team works out.”

Ty Conklin? (I know, it’s sarcasm)

By: Brendan

Brendan — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:36:56 +0000

Sara, I certainly wasn’t trying to be negative. I saw an article at NHL.com, posted a link, and was curious as to the quotes, which are, in fact, attributed to Waddell. Now, you’re right. We didn’t really see the full range and scope of the questions. But Waddell could have answered, “Kovalchuk has not indicated he wants to play in Russia. So, I cannot comment on that. I think that’s idle speculation. His stated goal in contract negotiations is to win the Stanley Cup. Clearly, he cannot do that while playing in Russia.” That’s how I’d answer the question, “What if Ilya opts to play in Russia?”

If a reporter asked me, “What are the financial ramifications of Kovalchuk going to Russia?” I’d respond, “Kovalchuk’s concerns aren’t financial ones. He’s going to get paid a LOT. So, the issue really is deciding where he wants to play. And I think it’s in the NHL, with the Atlanta Thrashers.”

What’s wrong with those hypothetical answers? That’s, truthfully, how I’d answer them, wearing an arm-chair GM hat.

By: waffleboy

waffleboy — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:14:52 +0000

Signing a long-term deal with a good team is no guarantee of winning Stanley Cup. Ask the guy who was on the losing end of the last two Stanley Cup Finals how cherry-picking your team works out. I believe Kovy will either sign a long-term deal in ATL or go back to Mother Russia. His wife gave up her career to come to Atlanta. I have no problem believing that Kovy would be happy leaving all this behind to raise his kids at home and still be able to play hockey for a whole lot of money.

By: Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary)

Trixie (Rawhide's Secretary) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:50:40 +0000

RANALLO WARNING!!

This is your official 10-minute Ranallo Warning!

By: Dandylions

Dandylions — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:08:49 +0000

Just thought this was funny from Jeff Schultz’ column today Best line Don Waddell ever had a few years back was when I asked him if he went to Damian Rhodes’ wedding. “No, but I paid for it,” he said. (Thank you, try the veal.) The Thrashers’ general manager gave Rhodes a four-year, $9 million contract in 1999. He was the franchise’s first player under contract. Rhodes was supposed to be a goalie. He turned into a punch line floating in a whirlpool. And so secured a lifetime of Waddell party jokes. So where’s Rhodes now? He surfaced last week at a fall PGA tournament in Scottsdale, Ariz., caddying for Fred Couples. (Thanks to reader “Wayne from Tuskegee” for the tip.) Rhodes golfs a lot. Gee, now there’s a shock. He apparently also is friends with Phil Mickelson’s caddy, Jim McKay. Couples finished 66th in the tournament. Rhodes suffered a groin strain three holes into the second round and was put on the injured list.

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:08:16 +0000

“y’all need to stop being such Debbie Downers around here”

Wha?

Fact: Kovy hasn’t signed.

Conjecture: If he hasn’t signed by now then I think the reason is as I predicted all along, he won’t be signing until July 2nd 2010 when he signs with another club. The KHL is an excuse that the agent is throwing out as FUD to keep the heat in town off his client so he can get to next summer and see who’ll be the best bidder for his services (probably best combo of $, length of contract, and quality of the NHL club signing him).

If Kovy was going to sign, it would’ve been done by now.

By: Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:56:43 +0000

yes, we need more women of low standards.

By: The Joker

The Joker — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:49:42 +0000

That really throws a Krog in the churn.

By: Alan R.

Alan R. — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:40:10 +0000

I watched the Caps feed of the last game and after the game their coach said that our ice was the worst he’s seen in all of his years in hockey Hilarious.