Don't flame me. The title was kind of a joke. Kind of.
The genius that is Ray Shero never ceases to amaze me. This guy does nothing but make brilliant moves when it comes to positioning the team for a successful playoff run. He already picked up James Neal and Matt Niskanen for Alex Goligoski, a guy that just never fit into the lineup in the right way. Now, this...
Alex Kovalev is once again a Penguin!!
The Senators continued their fire sale by dumping the rest of the $1 Million contract of Kovalev and the Penguins were more than happy to oblige. Especially after the news today that Brooksy is going to be out 4-6 weeks with a broken hand, after blocking a shot by Patrick Marleau the other night. The part that excites me is that Alex waived his no trade clause so that he could go back to the Steel City. That means he wants to play for Mario and the Penguins organization. If nothing else, that should silence the critics that say he has no desire to win left in the tank.
Compensation, you ask? How about a 7th round draft pick, conditional upon how deep they move in the playoffs. Worst case scenario, it becomes a 6th round pick. A SIXTH ROUND PICK!! That is a steal in my book. I don't care if Alex is pushing 40. Even a half speed Kovalev is better than the injury mess the Penguins are facing right now and what they had to give up is nuts.
And Shero may not be done. He was quoted as saying,
“I would like to add another forward if possible, but it depends on what is going to be available and the price is going to be,” Shero said. “This year I’m not into trading our first-round draft pick or something like that. That might take me out of some things, but if there is a right player, a rental, that makes sense for us [I'll be interested].”
Most definitely, I'll be interested as well.
Welcome back, Kovi!! You have been missed.
Nice pick up on the cheap. This move makes me believe that the Pens believe Crosby is coming back this season. If the wounded flightless birds get healthy in time for the playoffs they will be a dangerous team
ReplyDeleteThe only problem I have with that logic right now is that the Kovalev deal is going to cost them about $1.2M. Since Crosby in the lineup would put a stranglehold on the salary cap, I could see him sitting out a bit longer so they can balance out the remainder of the season.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, they need people that can score like a crack addict needs a hit.
We'll see you in the finals ;)
ReplyDelete