Ilya Kovalchuk, the man of ‘enigmatic Russian mystery.’

The lockout is over! Let us all rejoice. Of course, because nothing is simple in the treacherous landscape of the NHL, there are all kinds of problems associated with ratifying the new CBA, making new schedules, opening training camps, and dragging Russians back to their teams.

Wait. What?

Yes, this is actually a point of contention. Why does it pertain to us, my fellow Devils fans? Because our very-likely candidate for next captain Ilya Kovalchuk is still overseas and not heading back home on a plane immediately. Because Kovalchuk is still playing games for his KHL team, CKA St. Petersburg. Because Kovalchuk is showing reservation until the new deal is set in stone and freshly signed with ink.

And I don’t blame him.

There’s still almost a week before training camps open on Sunday. If he can play in one more game and stay in top form, all the better for us. If he needs to read the details of the new CBA, fine. Most players will be doing that in the few upcoming days in which they have to electronically vote to approve it. Nothing makes Kovalchuk’s decision to not immediately head to New Jersey different to anybody else’s. The only difference, of course, is the media attention and boundless rumors being floated around by said media.

In any case, Lou Lamoriello and the Devils have said that they have no reason to believe that Ilya Kovalchuk will not be showing up to camp on Sunday. We’ll go with that.

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Elliotte Friedman’s 30 thoughts column is always an interesting read. In the most recent edition, Friedman floated an interesting idea: that Lou Lamoriello’s blunt labeling of the lockout as ‘embarrassing’ served as encouragement for others to do the same.

Friedman writes, “Don’t want to do a ton of lockout stuff, but thought it was telling to see how much the word “embarrassing” or “embarrassed” was seen after Lou Lamoriello used it in describing the shutdown to The Newark Star-Ledger. Heard it from both Eric Staal and Andy McDonald. Almost as if others felt more free to be honest after someone of Lamoriello’s stature did it.”

No surprise.

» Continue reading “Oh Kovalchuk, Kovalchuk; Lamoriello’s Honesty; Anthony Brodeur Soaring For Success”

Devils GM Lou Lamoriello.

A week or so after ex-Devil Zach Parise signed with the Wild, we’ve now also lost assistant coach Larry Robinson to the San Jose Sharks. Let us not forget that even before that, Adam Oates left the Devils to became head coach of the Washington Capitals. In a way, Pete DeBoer said it best: seeing other organizations turn to the Devils is flattering. Both Oates and Robinson were integral parts of DeBoer’s coaching staff who were commended often by the players, and the Devils fanbase can only wish them both luck.

But where does this leave us? What is Lou Lamoriello’s Plan B?

Inside: Scott Stevens and Mike Haviland: possible assistant coaches?; the shrinking UFA market: Semin, Ryan, and Doan; assorted videos for your offseason needs.

» Continue reading “Plan B?”

The CBGB line addressing media at the Stanley Cup Final Media Day. (via @DevilsGenerals/Twitter)

The Stanley Cup Final Media Day saw the members of the Devils talking to media and occasionally getting attacked by microphones. Today was truly the calm before the storm. On Wednesday a best-of-seven series beginning between the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings will probably culminate, over time, in a few fights and doubtlessly some hostility.

For today, at least, the Devils were full of smiles.

» Continue reading “Calm Before The Storm: Devils At Media Day”