Kovalev to the Panthers

[SensandRaps]

Nick Kypreos ‏@RealKyper
Interesting 2 hear some players being invited to short'n training camps. Not more interest' than Alex Kovalev to #Panthers. Closing in on 40

per kypreos and team 1200 twitter


*though he was seeming lazy when he was on the sens, still an exciting player and hopefully he comes back and plays well

[OptiMized]

meh.

I hate your sig but it`s probably true...

[Seguin]

Nice. I always loved how Kovalev played the game, no pressure in Florida, I think he's gonna out up okay stats

[homie564]

There were nights Kovalev looked like the best player in the NHL and there were nights were he couldn't hold up a 4th line in the AHL. Still has a pretty nasty wrist shot though. Should be interesting.

[jrice9]

He's done imo.

He might be able to come back but I'm not sure his game will age well

[bsi]

I think it's a smart move by Florida. Adding a guy that can play at the least on your #2 line and can help your PP is a no brainer IMO. Dale Tallon was a steal for Florida.

[J4KOP99]

There were nights Kovalev looked like the best player in the NHL and there were nights were he couldn't hold up a 4th line in the AHL. Still has a pretty nasty wrist shot though. Should be interesting.

That's Kovalev, though.

[jrice9]

I think it's a smart move by Florida. Adding a guy that can play at the least on your #2 line and can help your PP is a no brainer IMO. Dale Tallon was a steal for Florida.

But why does everyone think Kovalev can do this anymore?

He stunk in the KHL last year for his 22 game stint, was poor in Pitt after being traded despite getting a chance with Staal and Neal and wasn't anything special with Ottawa in 2010-2011 despite playing with Spezza most of the time.

Across the NHL and KHL the guy has had 3 goals and 13 points in 44 games since being traded to Pitt.

He also didn't play from what I can see any organized hockey during the lockout.

This is not a contract, its a try out. If he was guarenteed a second line role he'd be getting at least 1.5 mil

[Halladay]

$10 bucks he doesn't make the team. Kovalev is done like dinner in this league. From what I understand he wasn't even wanted in the KHL. If you can't crack the KHL and you're Russian...

[Tomahawk27]

But why does everyone think Kovalev can do this anymore?

He stunk in the KHL last year for his 22 game stint, was poor in Pitt after being traded despite getting a chance with Staal and Neal and wasn't anything special with Ottawa in 2010-2011 despite playing with Spezza most of the time.

Across the NHL and KHL the guy has had 3 goals and 13 points in 44 games since being traded to Pitt.

He also didn't play from what I can see any organized hockey during the lockout.

This is not a contract, its a try out. If he was guarenteed a second line role he'd be getting at least 1.5 mil

I'm not sure people are necessarily saying he can do it anymore but are thinking that a person with his skill set may be able to play a bit longer than others. Basically, a person who's game revolves around speed or physicality may not last as long but for a guy like Kovy who can shoot and deke like no other, his skills may be able to let him play past the normal retirement age.

In his defense, Neal played terribly at the end of the season, he had something like 1 goal in those last 22 games. I can't remember how Staal did but I don't think he was lighting it up either.

I said it in the Pens forum but I wanted us to invite him to camp. I know it wouldn't happen but I think he would be worth a look playing with a center of Malkin or Crosby creating space for him and feeding him the puck

[benzni]

its a why not move for florida.

couldn't hurt

[SLY WILLIAMS]

I do not know what he has left but he was my favorite Ranger (along with Leetch) in the last 15-20 years or so. He was so much fun to watch. I like to be entertained and he would put on a show.

[Seguin]

Kovalev hasn't been a very fast skater in recent years (like, prior to Montreal) but he was always very agile, had great hands and deadly accurate shot. Those kinds of skills don't typically deteriorate. Based off his history in hockey, its a safe assumption its all mental at this point.

He wanted to come back to the NHL, maybe he's got a fire lit under him.

Are the sharks still inviting samsonov? Or was that false

[bsi]

But why does everyone think Kovalev can do this anymore?

He stunk in the KHL last year for his 22 game stint, was poor in Pitt after being traded despite getting a chance with Staal and Neal and wasn't anything special with Ottawa in 2010-2011 despite playing with Spezza most of the time.

Across the NHL and KHL the guy has had 3 goals and 13 points in 44 games since being traded to Pitt.

He also didn't play from what I can see any organized hockey during the lockout.

This is not a contract, its a try out. If he was guarenteed a second line role he'd be getting at least 1.5 mil

Kovalev would have to have a terrible camp in order to not get a contract. He's a highly skilled guy who can instantly improve a powerplay. He's not going to lead the league in points, he wont even be in the top 30 likely, but if you give him a couple of good skating guys that distribute the puck well he'll do well there. Anyone thinking he's going to be an elite player at this point is out of touch with what they are getting. Also, players in Montreal always said that Kovalev was good with the young guys , helped them with positioning, conditioning and confidence and maybe he'd be a good match to play with Huberdeau this year.