The Expected Result

Who knows? An arbitrator could, theoretically, shock the hockey world today.

But most don't expect that to happen, and instead it's likely Ilya Kovalchuk will officially become a New Jersey Devil, with his controversial 17-year, $102 million deal approved.

Arbitrator Richard Bloch has promised his ruling by 5 p.m. today, It remains curious to many NHL observers that it was the Devils and GM Lou Lamoriello that offered up the front-loaded contract, which pays out $99 million of the value over the first 12 years in a deal designed to keep the annual cap hit at a manageable $6 million.

If the deal was ruled illegal under NHL rules, the 27-year-old Kovalchuk would become an unrestricted free agent again, and it's believed the Los Angeles Kings would  be first in line to try and sign him, although Jersey could re-work the deal. Assuming Kovalchuk's contract's contract isn't struck down, the Kings may again turn their attention to Tomas Kaberle of the Maple Leafs, knowing that division rival San Jose is already bidding to acquire Kaberle before his no-trade clause kicks in again next Sunday at midnight.

Along with the Sharks, those teams still interested in Kaberle are thought to be Boston, Tampa Bay and St. Louis. If the Devils were to lose Kovalchuk they might look to make a deal for Kaberle, but few expect that to happen.

The league rejected Kovalchuk's contract as an attempt to circumvent the salary cap, which is of course exactly what it is, an effort to squeeze $65 million worth of players under a $58 million cap, basically.

Problem is, the league has approved similar contracts in the past, and the loopholes exist in the CBA that allow these kind of financial arrangements. Moreover, both Chicago and Philadelphia made it to last spring's Stanley Cup final with these kinds of contracts on their roster, which makes it seem they offer a competitive advantage to teams willing to sign them.

It's seems almost certain these long-term, front-loaded contracts won't be permissable after the current CBA expires in two years. The question now is how many teams will try to use the loophole while it exists, and whether the NHL will continue to try to fight.

Comments

[Sandro]

I agree in that GM's will continue to try to circumvent the cap. Why not... its legal. Let's just get this over with so Kaberle can be a king, with Dustin Brown comin back the other way!!

[snacker]

Where is Brian Burke? I thought he was done with fishing trips?? Remember that whole "our draft if July 1"?? This guy hasn't done enough...why the posturing on the kaberle front?? They need to move this guy for whatever they can get - their d is fine without him and his -16 isn't doing his team any favours. Anthopolous is looking like the only quality GM this town has - has finds gems in places where nobody looks and is willing to make moves to make his team better. The bottom line is Kaberle is a fine player on a good team, but he hasn't done anything to make the Leafs better and his indifference rubs people the wrong way. Move him some so younger chips. Burke needs to get moving or people will start losing patience in this town. Not good enough so far is the bottom line.

[sb1978]

I can't help but feel that the owners can only blame themselves for this mess. For years, the owners have taken advantage of the NHLPA's divisiveness and disorganization, but the owners own lack of solidarity and unity has ultimately lead to this high profile dispute. The owners were willing to lock out the players and lose an entire season of hockey in order to implement a salary cap. Now that they have one, they are undermining the cap they fought so hard for by agreeing to these front-loaded contracts! If this decision stands, they might as well scrap the salary cap system altogether. All it really does is establish a floor but no ceiling!

[a.c.]

Burke isn't going to trade him until the last day. He will continue to drum up a bidding war, and leverage each team against the rest, so 'snacker' relax

Also, where is Buffalo on this list? they've made an offer. and CBJ for that matter? Is Dallas even an option? ($ in = $ out, or TO takes on cap?)

versteeg, armstrong, lebdra added to a decently good core already from the year previous isn't enough? should we have signed Kovy too, maybe Gonchar? added Marleau, Pavelski and someone else? Their is a salary cap, you need to relax. Burke is adding players in the 20-26 year old range, their are requirements

Snacker, chill. we have a WEEK. You're an idiot if you would want to dump him for whatever, yet you demand "gems". If it was that easy, EVERY GM would be doing it. Not sure if you have been paying attention, but Burke has traded for: Kessel, Phaneuf, Caputi, Giggy, Sjostrom, Aulie, Versteeg, etc. He has signed Gusty,Armstrong, bozak, Komi, Beauch, Hanson, Meuller. He's drafted Schenn, Blacker, Kadri, and a bunch more. I THINK BURKE HAS DONE QUITE A GOOD JOB THERE BUDDY. why don't you take a vacation, clearly you need it more then Burke did

[Matt B]

Upon reviewing team salaries and the need for a puck moving D-man, I predict Kaberle will go to: Columbus, Dallas, St. Louis, SJ, or Florida. Possibly coming back to Toronto would be
1. Umberger (CLB)
2. Benn (DAL)
3. Backman (STL)
4. Clowe (I know I'm dreaming) or Logan Couture (SJ)
5. Grabner/Frolik (FLA)

Maybe Nashville can grab Kaberle since they have the room and lost Hamhuis. If Kaberle doesn't get traded, then look for Beauchemin to be traded (Komisarek has a No-Move claus and Schenn is the only other D-man option to move).

[snacker]

@a.c.- If you think this current version of the Leafs is going to do anything without any depth at centre...you my friend are the only idiot here. Stevie Y looks like he's doing a better job, 2 months in than burke has done so far with the Leafers. They have some more depth, but nothing solid up front...and if he doesn't do something soon, the Leafs could be giving up another Seguin-type player next year...that won't fly in this town and he could be out of a job earlier than people think.

[Jesus]

Wrong!!!!

[OL]

The critisisms of Burke border on hilarious. The guy has done nothing but add front end talent to a team that many thought was years away simply because they didnt think they could get anything for what they had. Yet, he aquired 2 potential NHL awards winners for nothing and signed great free agents like Bozak. All this talk about a centre, but Id be willing to go with Kadri and Bozak, and I hope they do. As for the offers Umberger? Backman? Dustin Brown? YOu guys are out to lunch, If we trade with st louis, I want Backes, Boyes and a pick. If you trade with LA, the trade involves B Schenn or its no go. Columbus can give us Filitov and they just shouldnt trade with SJ - Coultere or Clowe ??? Are you out of your mind?