Los Angeles Kings forward Ilya Kovalchuk is anticipating he'll hear the boobirds loud and clear when he suits up in New Jersey on Tuesday night for his first game versus the Devils since leaving for the KHL.
"I am pretty sure there will be a lot of booing," Kovalchuk told NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "But I love that, so it's all good."
Before NHL contracts were capped at eight years as part of the current CBA, Kovalchuk signed a mammoth 15-year, $100-million deal with New Jersey in 2010 - matching the longest contract in league history. However, his stint in the Garden State lasted just three more seasons, as he voluntarily retired from the NHL in 2013 and went back to play in his native Russia, leaving $77 million on the table with the Devils.
Kovalchuk still had a solid run with New Jersey. He recorded 89 goals and 112 assists in 222 regular-season games, and he was a central figure in the club's surprising run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012, where the Devils fell to the Kings.
Following four seasons with SKA St. Petersburg in Russia and after winning an Olympic gold medal in 2018, Kovalchuk returned to the NHL last offseason. The 35-year-old signed a three-year, $18.75-million contract with the Kings and has recorded 25 points in 42 games this season.
Jake Muzzin has come as advertised for the Toronto Maple Leafs so far, but the 6-foot-3 defenseman made his mark Monday night.
First, Muzzin caught Anaheim Ducks winger Corey Perry with a punishing hit, putting the 33-year-old into the boards as he tried to make a play at the blue line.
The hit did not sit well with the Ducks, as captain Ryan Getzlaf tried roping the Toronto blue-liner into a fight and Nick Ritchie took an ill-advised cross-checking penalty, whacking Muzzin after the whistle.
It didn't take long for the Ontario native to get his revenge. Muzzin immediately hammered home his first goal as a Maple Leaf off the ensuing faceoff, sending the crowd at Scotiabank Arena into a frenzy just before the second intermission.
The goal was Muzzin's second point with his new team after he registered an assist on Andreas Johnsson's goal a few minutes earlier. Toronto acquired the defenseman from the Los Angeles Kings on Jan. 28 in exchange for its 2019 first-round pick and two prospects.
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Edler had to be stretchered off the ice midway through the third period of Monday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Edler got tangled up with Flyers forward Jakub Voracek while trying to break up a pass. Then he fell awkwardly, hitting his face off the ice.
The Winnipeg Jets are looking to bolster their roster before the Feb. 25 trade deadline and have placed their first-round pick on the market, TSN's Frank Seravalli reports.
Sitting near the top of the standings with about one-third of the season remaining, the Jets' No. 1 priority is to acquire a second-line center who can prove useful in a Stanley Cup run, Seravalli adds.
The Jets have shown recent interest in Kevin Hayes of the New York Rangers, reports Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos. The 6-foot-5 center has recorded 36 points in 42 games this season and carries a $5.175-million cap hit. He's scheduled to become a UFA at the end of the campaign.
Winnipeg needed help at the position one year ago and acquired center Paul Stastny from the St. Louis Blues for a package that centered around its 2018 first-round pick. The deal paid off, as Stastny was instrumental in helping the Jets reach the Western Conference Final, tallying six goals and 15 points in 17 playoff games.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were the first team to move their first-round pick this season, shipping it along with two prospects to the Los Angeles Kings for defenseman Jake Muzzin on Jan. 28.
"I mean, I guess I'm the last to know," Seabrook told Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times. "I don't know. I haven't been approached or asked about anything, so it's news to me."
Seabrook signed an eight-year, $55-million contract in 2015 shortly after winning his third Stanley Cup with the franchise. He carries a $6.875-million cap hit until 2024 and has a full no-trade clause until 2022.
The 33-year-old has spent his entire career with the Blackhawks since being drafted 14th overall in 2003, and has recorded 20 points in 52 games this season while logging just under 20 minutes per contest.
It was reported Friday that the Panthers hope to take a run at both Bobrovsky and Columbus' other pending unrestricted free agent, Artemi Panarin, either before the Feb. 25 deadline or during the offseason.
Florida has been active in the trade market thus far, adding Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann over the weekend. The move clears up cap space for the Panthers next season but they'd still need more room to acquire Bobrovsky, Panarin, or both this year.
A potential solution is that the newly acquired Brassard is included in the package heading back to Columbus in a Bobrovsky deal, Brooks adds. That would help Florida's cap structure, and the Blue Jackets and Penguins reportedly had trade talks about the 31-year-old center in January before he was flipped to the Sunshine State.
The other problem for the Panthers is they currently employ Roberto Luongo and James Reimer, who are under contract until 2022 and 2021, respectively, and eat up a combined $7.933 million against the cap.
The Panthers are 21-21-8 this season and sit nine points out of the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot currently held by the Blue Jackets.
Every Monday, theScore will offer a weekly fantasy hockey column detailing a handful of moves you should make. Ownership percentages and position eligibility are courtesy of Yahoo.
Stream Rangers players
It's a busy week in the NHL. With 12 games Tuesday, 13 on Thursday, and 14 set for Saturday, you're going to have a full lineup and likely have to leave players on your bench for three nights.
The New York Rangers are one of the teams in action four times this week but none of their games fall on the aforementioned busy nights, which means you'll be able to get them in your lineup each time they play.
As the trade rumors get more intense by the day, it seems inevitable Artemi Panarin is going to be traded before Feb. 25.
It's tough to predict what the Columbus Blue Jackets would receive for their star winger, but it's clear which players would suffer most in fantasy by his departure: Dubois and Atkinson.
Both players are having fantastic seasons while playing primarily on a line with Panarin, but losing one of the game's best playmakers would certainly hinder their production.
If you own either in a non-dynasty league, begin shopping them. Don't trade them for just any return, but if there's a deal you're comfortable with, don't be afraid to pull the trigger.
Ferland is having a career year and is easily a top-100 player in banger leagues thanks to his 126 hits this season. However, if you own him, move him before it's too late.
The Hurricanes are "very likely" to trade Ferland before the Feb. 25 deadline. For Carolina, Ferland is a top-six forward and has collected many of his points playing alongside Sebastian Aho on the team's top line. But he'll likely find himself playing fewer minutes if he's traded to a contender and his production will take a hit because of it.
Take a flier on Cory Schneider if you're desperate
Scott Audette / National Hockey League / Getty
Team: Devils Position: G Ownership: 23 percent
Schneider recently joined the New Jersey Devils following a conditioning assignment in the AHL after an abdominal strain injury. In nine appearances this season, he's gone 0-5-1 with an .852 save percentage and 4.66 goals-against average. Simply put, he's been abysmal.
Even the last two seasons, when Schneider was healthy enough to play 40-plus games, he wasn't very good. It may be a long shot that he can find his old form as one of the best goalies in the game, but if you're in a deep league and desperate for goaltending, he might be worth picking up.
MacKenzie Blackwood - the Devils' goalie of the future and currently the team's best netminder - was assigned to the AHL. It seems likely New Jersey at least intends to play Schneider with regularity, given its position in the standings and the fact Keith Kinkaid doesn't offer much value.
Drop Mikko Koskinen
Team: Oilers Position: G Ownership: 47 percent
Unless you're in an extremely deep league in which goalies are tough to come by, Koskinen should be dropped. The journeyman netminder has just three wins in his last 13 games while posting an .878 save percentage.
Koskinen likely will continue to share starting duties with Cam Talbot but neither goalie offers much in fantasy. In standard-sized leagues, you'd do better streaming backup goalies.
This is the 10th edition of theScore's 2018-19 NHL Power Rankings, which will be published every two weeks during the regular season. It was compiled by editors Josh Wegman and Josh Gold-Smith.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (39-11-2)
This marks the fourth straight edition the Lightning have been on top, and it's difficult to envision them falling for the rest of the season. They're easily the deepest team in the league, and it wouldn't be surprising if they added a rental at the deadline for an extra push. - Wegman
Previously: 1st
2. Calgary Flames (34-14-5)
The Flames are second in the league in points and goal differential, trailing only the Lightning. The stars seem to be aligning for Calgary this season, as their top five players are all having career years, and David Rittich has answered the biggest question mark heading into the season by providing stellar goaltending. - Wegman
Previously: 2nd
3. Winnipeg Jets (34-16-2) ▲
The Jets have turned it up a notch lately, going 9-3-0 in their last 12 games. They've done so without their anchor on defense and the heart and soul of the team, Dustin Byfuglien. With his impending return along with a possible deadline addition, the Jets will be a force down the stretch. - Wegman
Previously: 6th
4. San Jose Sharks (30-16-7) ▲
The Sharks started slow after lofty preseason expectations, but are 16-5-2 in their last 23 outings. Erik Karlsson was playing his best hockey of the season before going down with a minor injury. With him and Brent Burns firing on all cylinders, when was the last time a team had two Norris Trophy candidates? The Sharks are clearly all-in this year, and could make a splash before Feb. 25. - Wegman
Previously: 5th
5. New York Islanders (30-15-6) ▼
Mike Stobe / National Hockey League / Getty
If you're debating the best story of the NHL season for far, look no further than the Islanders. After losing their captain and franchise player after a season in which they were the sloppiest defensive club in the league, they've rallied together to become the league's stingiest team under Barry Trotz. Will they be able to overcome a lack of star power in the postseason against the Penguins or Capitals? Time will tell. - Wegman
Previously: 3rd
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (31-17-3) ▲
If there's a bright side to the Maple Leafs' recent skid it's that they hit their rough patch in January rather than April. The addition of Jake Muzzin is a significant upgrade on the back end, allowing Ron Hainsey to slide down into a more fitting, sheltered role. The Leafs are coming off a much-needed home win against Pittsburgh, and could very well get on a hot streak with a favorable schedule looming. - Wegman
Previously: 10th
7. Nashville Predators (31-19-4) ▲
If there's one team that needs a deadline push like Artemi Panarin more than the rest, it's the Predators. The club has had trouble finding the back of the net lately, highlighted by the league's worst power play. The Preds are in win-now mode, and need an offensive dynamo to push them over the top. If they could add such a player, they'd be awfully scary heading into the postseason. - Wegman
Previously: 9th
8. Boston Bruins (28-17-7) ▼
It doesn't get discussed often enough how many injuries in the early portion of the season the Bruins have overcome to stay afloat. They're back at full health now, but their lack of forward depth is no secret. They possess arguably the best line in hockey, but what comes after isn't very imposing. If the Bruins can add a difference-maker to their bottom-nine forward group, they could have a deep playoff run. - Wegman
Previously: 7th
9. Vegas Golden Knights (29-21-4) ▼
The Golden Knights have lost four straight games, but thanks to a top-heavy division, they don't have to worry about falling out of third in the Pacific. Having "The Fortress" behind them for a first-round matchup against the Sharks or Flames would go a long way, but there's work to be done to make that happen. - Wegman
Previously: 4th
10. Pittsburgh Penguins (28-18-6) ▼
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
The Penguins have just two regulation wins in their last eight outings. Are the additions of Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann what's needed to right the ship? Probably not, but the impending return of defenseman Justin Schultz will be a major boost. - Wegman
Previously: 8th
11. Montreal Canadiens (29-18-6)
Just as the Canadiens' offense has hit a roadblock, Carey Price has put the team on his back. Can he carry them all the way to the postseason? - Wegman
Previously: 11th
12. Dallas Stars (27-21-4) ▲
The Stars have won four straight contests just after they lost four consecutive games. The talent in this group is obvious, but is anyone a firm believer they can make noise in April? - Wegman
Previously: 16th
13. Washington Capitals (28-18-6)
With the Capitals spiraling, Todd Reirden is facing his first bit of adversity as head coach. If the Islanders keep winning, it's possible we could see Caps-Pens in the first round, which is likely something neither team wants. - Wegman
Previously: 13th
14. Minnesota Wild (26-22-4) ▲
The Wild may be the most middling team in the NHL. They're likely good enough to make the postseason, but don't pose any upset threat whatsoever. Could pending unrestricted free agent Eric Staal be a trade deadline causality? - Wegman
Previously: 15th
15. Carolina Hurricanes (25-21-6) ▼
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
It appears the Hurricanes will continue to be active in the lead up to the trade deadline. The puck possession darlings still struggle to finish, but adding some proven goal scorers would go a long way towards snapping the league's longest playoff drought, and a chance for their much-maligned post-win celebrations to hit the national stage. - Wegman
Previously: 14th
16. Columbus Blue Jackets (28-20-3) ▼
The futures of Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky remain uncertain, and meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are sputtering toward the trade deadline with five straight losses. The next few weeks will be critical for both the short-term and long-term outlooks of the franchise. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 12th
17. Philadelphia Flyers (23-23-6) ▲
The hottest team in the NHL made it seven straight wins with an impressive come-from-behind victory over the Oilers on Saturday. Carter Hart continues to provide stability in the crease, and while the Flyers are still outside the playoff picture, they'll be knocking on the door if they can keep this up. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 26th
18. Vancouver Canucks (24-22-6) ▼
A big road win over the Avalanche on Saturday lifted the Canucks back into a wild-card spot. With a healthy Elias Pettersson clicking with Brock Boeser and company, Vancouver still looks like a team that can make a sustained push in the paltry Pacific Division. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 17th
19. Arizona Coyotes (23-23-5) ▲
So much for this season being another forgettable one for the Coyotes, who've won six of 10 and now sit three points out of a playoff spot. Conor Garland potted his eighth goal in his last 11 contests on Saturday night - his 10th in just 24 games this season - as Arizona earned a big point against the Sharks. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 24th
20. St. Louis Blues (23-22-5) ▲
Jamie Sabau / National Hockey League / Getty
The Blues won two of their three games since our last edition, and goaltender Jordan Binnington allowed only three goals combined in the victories. He has shone since taking over as St. Louis' de facto starter, and he's helped the Blues sneak back into the playoff hunt out west. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 22nd
21. Buffalo Sabres (25-20-6) ▼
Remember when the Sabres were the hottest team in the league? That seems like ancient history now that Buffalo has lost seven of 10, including a humbling 7-3 defeat at the hands of the lowly Blackhawks on Friday. That was the first contest in a seven-game homestand on which the Sabres need to turn things around. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 19th
22. Florida Panthers (21-21-8) ▲
The Panthers dealt Bjugstad and McCann for pending UFAs Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan, leading some to wonder if Florida was clearing space for Panarin and/or Bobrovsky, at whom they reportedly hope to take a run. On the ice, Florida is still a long way from sniffing a postseason berth despite beating the Sharks and Golden Knights since our last edition. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 25th
23. Colorado Avalanche (22-21-8) ▼
The Avalanche haven't been themselves lately, with three consecutive losses and only three wins in their last 10, including a 5-1 defeat to the Canucks on home ice Saturday. Colorado head coach Jared Bednar split up the NHL's most dangerous line, but nothing seems to be working for him. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 18th
24. Edmonton Oilers (23-24-5) ▼
The Oilers finally fired general manager Peter Chiarelli on Jan. 23, but times are still tough in Edmonton as the club dropped their fifth consecutive contest Sunday. The mediocrity in the middle of the Western Conference standings has the Oilers only three points out of a playoff spot, but it's not hard to see this is a team with significant issues. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 20th
25. Chicago Blackhawks (20-24-9) ▲
Bruce Kluckhohn / National Hockey League / Getty
The Blackhawks have shown some signs of life lately with four straight wins, and Dylan Strome has fit in nicely with 23 points in 29 games since being acquired, but they've still got a long way to go if they hope to get back in the race. Despite the win streak, Chicago still sits second-last in the conference with a minus-29 goal differential. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 31st
26. New York Rangers (22-22-7) ▼
Simply put, the Rangers can't score and they're getting scored on too much. They're also the second-worst possession team in the NHL, as only the lowly Senators have a worse Corsi For percentage at five-on-five. This just isn't New York's year. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 21st
27. Detroit Red Wings (21-25-7) ▲
Three consecutive victories - including another overtime win over the Leafs on Friday - might be cause for some mild optimism, but the Red Wings have dug themselves too deep a hole of which to climb out, especially now that Dylan Larkin might be out for a week or two. Time to start selling. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 29th
28. Anaheim Ducks (21-22-9) ▼
Randy Carlyle is once again on the hot seat after the Ducks were humiliated by the Jets on Saturday. Anaheim is only three points out of a playoff spot, but that's with the worst goal differential in the NHL, five fewer regulation or overtime wins than the Canucks, and five teams including Vancouver ahead of them in the hunt. More efforts like the one on Saturday would probably seal Carlyle's fate. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 23rd
29. New Jersey Devils (20-24-7) ▲
The Devils don't have much hope without Taylor Hall - not that they had enough depth to be competitive even before he got hurt - but Nico Hischier is doing his part with three goals in the last two games, including the tying marker and the winner Saturday. His future looks bright, even if New Jersey's present is bleak. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 30th
30. Los Angeles Kings (20-27-4) ▼
Only the Ducks have a worse goal differential this season than the Kings, and that's by a single goal. Los Angeles remains firmly entrenched in the basement of the Western Conference, without much hope of getting out. - Gold-Smith
Previously: 28th
31. Ottawa Senators (19-28-5) ▼
The Senators have lost four straight games, and more importantly, the impending decisions by Mark Stone and Matt Duchene about their respective futures loom large in Ottawa. - Gold-Smith
