Although it would have been nice to see Kovalchuk put on a Los Angeles Kings jersey, the world has not come to an end. In fact, Kovy not coming to the west coast can benefit the Kings in more way than one.
With the millions of dollars saved by the Kings by not signing the Russian superstar, their first order of business should be extedning the contracts of Norris Trophy finalist Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson, and Wayne Simmonds who all become RFA's next summer. Doughty will be looking for a hefty raise of AT LEAST $4 million per year. Johnson might be looking for something between $3 and $4.5 million as well, whereas Wayne Simmonds should expect something below $3 million. Kings GM Dean Lombardi might also decide he wants to bring back young goaltender Erik Ersberg, who is a UFA next summer.
Even with the young players needing contract extensions, that doesnt play in until next summer, therefore the Kings can still make a push at some offensive fire power via trading or the free agency market.
Shall the Kings decide to trade, the only big name out there linked to the Kings is Boston Bruins center, Marc Savard. Savard is not quite the same player as Ilya Kovalchuk, but I can't imagine Kings fans being upset by the addition of Savard. Boston has been shopping players and trading a considerable amount this offseason, so why not again?
Former Flyer and new Lighting forward Simon Gagne was being looked at by the Kings as well, but with Kovalchuk re-signing with New Jersey and Gagne being traded to Tampa Bay within an hour of each other the Kings summer plans took a serious tumble right in front of them.
The most realistic option for the Kings now would be to either settle with the team they have now and make room for some kids on the roster or pursue some other...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
