Dancing in the Reign: Island(ers) getaway? LA Kings have company in Kovalchuk sweepstakes

The Los Angeles Kings have been touted as the front-runner for free agent left-winger Ilya Kovalchuck throughout the off-season. We’re two days into the NHL free-agent market, and little to no progress has been reported as far as negotiations go between Dean Lombardi and the 27 year-old Russian. Rich Hammond, of the LA Kings Insider, was declined of comment from Lombardi regarding the push to sign Ilya Kovalchuk on July 1st. Lombardi, however, released a statement through Mr. Hammond earlier today, citing: “We have been, and continue to, work, on a number of different scenarios. We do not anticipate any resolution tonight. if something changes, we will let you know.” If you’re looking for optimism Kovalchuk-wise, this won’t satisfy your fix. In what was a quick turnaround, and quite a surprise, the New York Islanders have been reported to be finalizing a deal that would make Kovalchuk an Islander for 10 years, at 10 million each season. With plenty of cap space available, the Islanders can afford to make this addition. What makes Kovalchuk to the Islanders even more attractive is the organization’s push for a new arena. With 2009 NHL Entry Draft 1st Overall selection John Tavares already on board, this could be a huge shot in the arm for an Islanders franchise that has been struggling for decades. Helene Elliott of the LA Times heard firsthand: “A source who is familiar with the situation but isn’t authorized to speak about it publicly said the New York Islanders were offering Kovalchuk $10 million a year for 10 years to become the centerpiece of their team and their campaign for a new arena. The source said the Islanders, who are about $9 million beneath the cap floor, were close to finalizing a deal with Kovalchuk.” The Kings have one huge advantage: Their future. For New York, it’s too early to tell, even for John Tavares. With a solid, young core continuing to grow in Los Angeles, the future is bright. There’s no telling what Lomardi will do, or has done. Go under, match, or exceed New York’s offer. Whatever happens, it will be a combination of Kovalchuk’s character and determination, and Lombardi’s game-plan now that the pressure is on. Remember Alexei Yashin?