NHL trade rumors: Kings ready to part ways with Ilya Kovalchuk?
According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Los Angeles Kings have informed Ilya Kovalchuk that he won’t be in their lineup for the foreseeable future. Is this the end of his time in Los Angeles?
Back in 2018, the Los Angeles Kings did the unthinkable and signed Ilya Kovalchuk. After his awkward departure from the New Jersey Devils, nobody thought he’d play in the NHL again. But regardless, the Kings signed him to a three-year deal worth $6.25 million annually. Kovalchuk, though, has struggled. And according to the latest NHL trade rumors, the two sides seem to be ready to move on.
Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet was the first to report the Kings met with Kovalchuk and let him know he wouldn’t be in their lineup for the foreseeable future. David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period followed up with a report of his own, saying both sides are trying to facilitate a trade.
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Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic has some interesting information as well. His signing bonus will be paid on Dec. 15. After that, he only has $700,000 of salary for the rest of the season. This might make him a viable trade candidate for a contender, assuming they have the cap space.
These rumors shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, the Kings were trying to trade him at the 2019 trade deadline, but couldn’t find any suitors.
Kovalchuk scored 16 goals with 34 points last season in 64 games last season. The Kings, who expected to be contenders, finished with one of the worst records in the NHL. Things haven’t improved this season. In 17 games this season, Kovalchuk has three goals and nine points.
An important thing about his contract is that he signed it when he was over 35 years old. This means that if Kovalchuk elects to retire after this season, his $6.25 million cap hit would still be on the books for next season. His salary will be $4.25 million next season, with no signing bonuses.
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It’s hard to tell who will be interested in him. Kovalchuk’s hefty cap hit will likely significantly limit his suitors, along with the extra year left on his contract. The Kings will likely have to retain 50% of his cap hit in order to facilitate any trade.