The Race for Ovechkin.

[Deleted]

We have been making jests and jokes that Ovechkin will be chosen by Pittsburgh. But how can we be sure? Certainly, he is the best player of a supposedly weak draft, not to mention that he could come at a high price that the Penguins may not be able to afford after a few seasons or so.

Nonetheless, the Penguins have been on a tear lately, going 7-1-1 in its last nine games. As of 8:30 Eastern Time, on March 22nd, these are the standings of the worst in the league:

27. Chicago 56
28. Washington 55
29. Columbus 54
30. Pittsburgh 51

Should Pittsburgh continue their hot streak, and Columbus continue their downfall, despite their win against the Canucks last night, it looks like Ovechkin could belong to perhaps Columbus or Pittsburgh. If memory serves me correctly, the only team that is financially stable to keep Ovechkin would be Washington; Chicago and Pittsburgh are constantly losing money. I'm not sure about Columbus, but they've signed a few free agents, but not at a Wal-Mart Everyday Low Price.

Thoughts?

[roke]

If Ovechkin can play centre could you imagine a nash/Ovechkin/Zherdev line if they could click and compliment each other? scary.

Personally, I don't think Pitsburgh is a viable hockey market. They were in terrible shape in the 80s when they drafted Lemieux, same when Lemieux bought the team and now they're in trouble again. The fans in Pitsburgh who are still supporting their penguins are great but I don't think Ovechkin can save the franchise even if he does become a superstar.

[Rimmer]

I have no doubt Ovechkin will go first even if Pittsburg wins the lottery. he's a great asset and can always be traded later for picks and players if needed, which I doubt will happen anytime soon. also, having a potential superstar on the team will help the current owners if they decide to sell or relocate the franchise.

R.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

Roke said:

If Ovechkin can play centre could you imagine a nash/Ovechkin/Zherdev line if they could click and compliment each other? scary.

Personally, I don't think Pitsburgh is a viable hockey market. They were in terrible shape in the 80s when they drafted Lemieux, same when Lemieux bought the team and now they're in trouble again. The fans in Pitsburgh who are still supporting their penguins are great but I don't think Ovechkin can save the franchise even if he does become a superstar.

I would pass on the longshot Ovchekin sweepstakes and trade all our 2004 picks for Crosby in 2005. If we could get young and Nash too we could go for a line of Crosby, Nash and Young. They could make beautiful music.

[seventeen]

Habs_fan_in_LA said:

I would pass on the longshot Ovchekin sweepstakes and trade all our 2004 picks for Crosby in 2005. If we could get young and Nash too we could go for a line of Crosby, Nash and Young. They could make beautiful music.

And if you put Quintal on the ice with them, they'd by Crosby, Still, Nash and Young.

[Skilly]

I'd say all the teams are financially stable to keep Ovechkin for 3 years at least with the rookie salary cap. The problem comes if they give him bonus clauses like Columbus did with Nash's contract, and Edmonton did with Comrie. Nash will make over 5 Million this year, and you know when the contract is up, he will want more money than that, with no incentive clauses. Same for Comrie, he attained all he bonus clauses and thought the 10% rule applied to the total pay-out and not the base salary ..... then the dispute begins.