The arbitration ruling has been rendered and Ilya Kovalchuk is now, once again, an unrestricted free agent. While Gary Bettman and Co. celebrate their victory, the dozens of free agents and 29 general managers who aren't named Dean Lombardi, go back to the drawing board.
The ruling was handed down around dinner time, and went against what was originally expected to be a clear and decisive win for the NHLPA. The question on everyone's mind now is "What does this ruling mean for me?"
If you are an unrestricted free agent, it means that you are going to continue being one. Unfortunately, unless Kovalchuk signs soon, the saga could continue leaving further NHLPA members without employment.
If your name is Brian Burke, it means that Tomas Kaberle may be a colder commodity than originally expected. According to Todd Cordell and a source at ESPN, the offers for Kaberle are in the double digits. But as others point out, you can have hundreds of offers, but you still need the right one.
At least Brian Burke received some good news Monday as Leaf prospect Jerry D'Amigo opted not to return to NCAA hockey and to turn pro. D'Amigo is expected to ...
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Article written by Cale Loney
Ilya Kovalchuk: What Arbitration Ruling Means For The Leafs And The Rest Of NHL
August 9th, 2010 by Cale Loney Leave a reply »
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