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New Jersey Devils Trade Partners For Ilya Kovalchuk: Toronto Maple Leafs

By Nick Villano

Apr 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his third period goal with left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Capitals beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his third period goal with left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Capitals beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ilya Kovalchuk saga may soon be coming to a close for the New Jersey Devils. Before that happens, the team has to trade him. Some teams with Devils connections have been rumored to be interested in the Russian sniper.

For years, if a top-named player was available, those closest to the Toronto Maple Leafs will find a way to tie their team to said player. Steve Stamkos was definitely coming to Toronto because he’s a Canadian. Then, as Tip of the Tower profiled, they scared him away. Every year, the biggest name available will somehow be tied to the Leafs, which is no surprise that Ilya Kovalchuk is the latest star “going to Toronto.”

Kovalchuk has an obvious tie in Toronto with Lou Lamoriello. He was the Devils general manager when Kovy signed for 15 years with the Devils back in 2010. When Kovalchuk left, the Devils couldn’t recover, and could have been the move that started the beginning of the end for Lou in New Jersey.

Toronto could also use Kovalchuk on that offense. After a surprise playoff appearance thanks to a handful of really good rookies, the team was top five in goals, but some regression could be in their future.

Austin Matthews may not be able to hit 40 goals again, but even if he can, there will likely be regression around him. Nazem Kadri hit 32 goals when he only hit 20 goals once in six previous seasons. William Nylander and Mitch Marner both found a way to score without much time in the league. Basically, everything went right last year and it could happen again, but why chance it?

So what could the Devils get back in a trade with the Maple Leafs?

Obviously, James Van Riemsdyk would be the perfect return for the Devils. He’s a second line forward who can score 30 goals with ease. Even better, he’s from Middletown, New Jersey.

If the Devils were going to get JVR, it will likely take more than Kovalchuk. The Maple Leafs still need help on defense, and Van Riemsdyk could bring a defender in return.

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Outside him, Connor Brown is a restricted free agent and coming off his best season. He scored 20 goals, which tied the output of Taylor Hall this season. He could be an interesting return for the Devils in return for a player the team didn’t know would become an asset.

Leafs have some very interesting prospects. Kasperi Kapanen was the main piece that sent Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh. He could be a part of another blockbuster trade. Beyond him, all other prospects are either untouchable or not worth it.

The Maple Leafs are in the position where they have to win now because of all their short term contracts, but at the same time need to play for the future thanks to Matthews. If the Maple Leafs decide that JVR is available in a Kovalchuk trade, the Devils need to jump on it. Even Brown would be a good return for Kovalchuk. It all just depends what the Maple Leafs want to do, and what they are willing to give up.

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