jsiha

"NJ DEVILS BUZZ"

The Rock, NJ • United States • 35 Years Old • Male

KOVI IN LA

From The NHL Network

Kovalchuk visiting L.A.
07.11.10 /7:40 PM ET

Ilya Kovalchuk is on his way Los Angeles, although he isn't a member of the Kings just yet.

According to TSN and the NHL Network's Darren Dreger, the unrestricted free agent is visiting Southern California for some face-to-face negotiations with Kings GM Dean Lombardi. Rumors are also swirling that a deal is already in place and will be announced tomorrow, but Lombardi told TSN's Bob McKenzie that it's "utterly false."

If the Kings are finally able to land Kovalchuk, who has 338 goals in 621 NHL games, they would instantly become Stanley Cup contenders.

Now I ask why would he deny this to a respected source

Below is the article from TSN:

The Los Angeles Kings are denying an online report that they will announce the signing of free agent Ilya Kovalchuk on Monday.

The two sides remain in conversation, but no deal is imminent.

"Ilya Kovalchuk is coming to Los Angeles for face to face discussions, just like any free agent would. We are a long way from agreeing on a contract," general manager Dean Lombardi told TSN.

The Kings have made headlines since the opening of the free agency season on July 1st by twice stating that they were out of the running for the Russian sniper. It is believed that the New Jersey Devils remain interested in re-signing the 27-year old Kovalchuk who had 41 goals and 44 assists in 76 games split between the Devils and Atlanta Thrashers last season.

Kovalchuk has already turned down a $100 million offer to re-sign with the Thrashers last season and also reportedly declined a multi-year contract from SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL.

I for one have stopped reading all the articles and blogs because all speculation...