Pursuing him is something I proposed months ago! Larry Brooks,with all due respect to Chris Botta,who's credibility I take with a grain of salt(Brooks,not Botta),reported that Snow has already thrown his hat into the ring. There are many theories regarding such a move. Number one of course is accelerating the rebuild on the ice. Another is adding an asset that might make a franchise acquisition abit more attractive. Considering the Cap situation, the Isles are one of a few select Organizations that can afford to shower Ilya with money,and still add other premier talent. As a result,Atlanta may not be in a position of strength. It is reasonable to think a 'Keep Hands Off' sign surrounds Tavares,Okposo and Bailey,but a DeHaan and conditional(If he is signed long term) 2010 # 1 might get it done! Hopefully the only condition of the trade itself is a signature on a 10-12 year deal. I'm okay with that. This isn't Yashin we are talk'n about!!!

I've read the same info you did. My take is that, if we can get him, he must be signed. NO More Ryan Smyth situations.
But I am also concerned about these long-term contracts in this day of the salary cap. We are still paying Yashin and yes, we will be paying DP for a long time. Now don't get me wrong, one was a stiff and the other, though prideful and wanting to play, has yet to stay healthy.

From NEWSDAY- Friday, January 15, 2010:

Thrasher's Kovalchuk is not in Snow's plans
by Arthur Staple

The Islanders have a plan, and it does not include Thrashers star Ilya Kovalchuk.
General manager Garth Snow had little to say about a rumor floated Thursday that he had done more than just ask Thrashers GM Don Waddell about Kovalchuk, Atlanta's lone marquee player and a likely candidate to be dealt before the March 3 trade deadline.
Snow did not directly refer to Kovalchuk, who reportedly is seeking a nine-figure contract. "We're not going to deviate from our plan," Snow said. "Or break up the core of our team."
That plan - not going overboard in free agency or with trades, and stockpiling young talent - had the Isles sitting in a three-way tie for eighth in the East entering yesterday's action, though technically in 10th with fewer wins than the Senators (who faced the Rangers) and the Canadiens (who hosted the Stars). The battle for the final four Eastern Conference playoff spots had nine teams separated by seven points.
So to decide that it's worth letting a top prospect like Calvin de Haan or Travis Hamonic, plus a few future draft picks, go for Kovalchuk makes very little sense to people inside the Islanders' organization and around the league.
Said Jay Grossman, Kovalchuk's agent: "Our focus will remain on Atlanta."
Snow made a splash in his first season as GM when he obtained Ryan Smyth from the Oilers at the 2007 trade deadline, giving up former first-rounders Robert Nilsson and Ryan O'Marra plus a 2007 first-rounder. The Isles made the playoffs with Smyth, so Nilsson was not missed.
Now the Islanders don't need an infusion of skill and talent to make the postseason. As one rival executive noted, "They can make the playoffs and still not have to bankrupt the future."
The only deal Snow is actively working on now is getting as high a draft pick as possible for Martin Biron, who has become the extra man in net. Biron, Dwayne Roloson and Rick DiPietro shared work in the hour-plus practice at Nassau Coliseum. Roloson likely will start Saturday against the Sabres, with DiPietro picking up one of the two back-to-back games on Monday and Tuesday against the Devils and at the Penguins.
Several teams might realize they need a veteran goaltender in the run-up before the Olympic break, which could enhance Biron's value.

The Islanders don't need to pursue Kovalchuk. They have been burned in the past after obtaining big-name marquee players like Alexei Yashin and Ryan Smyth. Besides, they are home-growing their own rising stars in Kyle Okposo and John Tavares, to name a few. Just my opinion...

I'm with the Ranger fan on this one. The team is building a nice little base but there is more work to be done. Maybe a high pick for one of our goalies and a possible trade up to a decent Top Ten pick.

They can always pick up a FA in the offseason.

quote:

Originally posted by redraider:
I'm with the Ranger fan on this one. The team is building a nice little base but there is more work to be done. Maybe a high pick for one of our goalies and a possible trade up to a decent Top Ten pick.

They can always pick up a FA in the offseason.

I would agree in most situations regarding building exclusively with draft picks. I am a homegrown kind a guy. In no way shape or form would I entertain trading for any player on a mere rental basis. All bets are off when discussing a mover and shaker such as Kovalchuk however. Players such as he and Ovechkin don't come along very often. I can attest to that after watching 9 seasons of Mike Bossy. As I stated before,hands off Kyle,Josh and JT. The NY Isles are in the most enviable position of any other franchise in the League regarding cap space. We are overloaded with prospects as it is,most solid,but not earthshattering. I say explore this opportunity. It could very well be we are in the catbird seat. Atlanta must get something. Calvin DeHaan could be a nice piece for the future as is Kerill Petrov(Who has done about as much as FMart,for you Mets fans). Subtract them along with the 20th something pick in next Junes draft,add a 26 year old proven world class player and the rebuild is accelerated significantly. This is NOT a case of mortgaging the future,but rather adding to it(Signing Kovalchuk long term MUST be a prerequisite of a trade). From what I have seen,Harmonic and Donovan are more advanced than DeHaan and will still be here. At the end of the day a hot goalie makes it possible to win a Cup. Impact players put you over the top. Mike Bossy did exactly that! Kovalchuk is that type of player and has matured greatly!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Lucky,

quote:

Originally posted by Lucky:

quote:

Originally posted by redraider:
I'm with the Ranger fan on this one. The team is building a nice little base but there is more work to be done. Maybe a high pick for one of our goalies and a possible trade up to a decent Top Ten pick.

They can always pick up a FA in the offseason.

I would agree in most situations regarding building exclusively with draft picks. I am a homegrown kind a guy. In no way shape or form would I entertain trading for any player on a mere rental basis. All bets are off when discussing a mover and shaker such as Kovalchuk however. Players such as he and Ovechkin don't come along very often. I can attest to that after watching 9 seasons of Mike Bossy. As I stated before,hands off Kyle,Josh and JT. The NY Isles are in the most enviable position of any other franchise in the League regarding cap space. We are overloaded with prospects as it is,most solid,but not earthshattering. I say explore this opportunity. It could very well be we are in the catbird seat. Atlanta must get something. Calvin DeHaan could be a nice piece for the future as is Kerill Petrov(Who has done about as much as FMart,for you Mets fans). Subtract them along with the 20th something pick in next Junes draft,add a 26 year old proven world class player and the rebuild is accelerated significantly. This is NOT a case of mortgaging the future,but rather adding to it(Signing Kovalchuk long term MUST be a prerequisite of a trade). From what I have seen,Harmonic and Donovan are more advanced than DeHaan and will still be here. At the end of the day a hot goalie makes it possible to win a Cup. Impact players put you over the top. Mike Bossy did exactly that! Kovalchuk is that type of player and has matured greatly!

I agree Lucky. Signing Kovalchuk is a must. Kovalchuk is a special player that does not come along often. I would rather sign Kovalchuk in the offseason and be able to keep Calvin De Haan. I think the Isles are in good shape even if they do not aquire Kovalchuk. I see a team like the Devils who have stayed away from making the big splash and it gives me hope regarding the Isles plans.