Mikko Koivu > Ilya Kovalchuk?

So sorry to all my loyal readers that I missed out on giving you a Hot or Not last week, but I was occupied. Vegas can do that to a guy… Tragically it was more business than pleasure, but some valuable pool time is always nice. Anyway, back to the greatest game on ice, and a consideration of who is not and who is… well… not.

Hot:

Mikko Koivu – Dude signed a seven-year, $47.25 million contract. Is it possible to be a bigger winner? Koivu duped the poor Wild into giving him a contract that is FAR beyond what he realistically deserves, despite the protestations of management. Is Koivu a talented player? Absolutely. Does he deserve a raise from the $3.7 million he made this year? Probably. But to $6.75 million annually? Well, let’s just say Koivu is as hot as he ever will be. (Oh, did we mention he got a NO TRADE CONTRACT? WTF?!)

Los Angeles Kings – The Kings are playing this Kovalchuk game very well. In fairness to the other teams, it doesn’t take much beyond self-restraint to be playing this well considering the factors at play. Kovalchuk doesn’t want to play in New Jersey (who would?) or Atlanta (…). Kovalchuk doesn’t want to play in Russia. The Kings want Kovalchuk for their forward sniper. He’s a perfect fit from both sides, and smart money is still on him signing in Los Angeles, though when is the next question…

Sidney Crosby – The poor kid doesn’t have enough trophies on his mantle. Fortunately, he won the ESPY award this year for the Best NHL player. While a strong argument can certainly be made for Crosby to win the award, it’s a bit of a stretch this season. He’ll win several more, and his name recognition even outside of hockey makes him likely to add a few (dozen) trophies to his home, but for now he made out like a bandit. Good for him.

Not:

Ilya Kovalchuk – This guy is the anti-Koivu. After fourteen days of free agency, rumors indicate that Kovalchuk is… not any closer than he ever was to signing a new contract. Some indications, including a visit to Los Angeles in a “recruiting” move make it seem like the Kings are the favorite, but frankly they’re out as often as they’re in. What Kovalchuk wouldn’t give to be making nearly $7 million annually at this point (a la Koivu).

Alexander Frolov – Poor Frolov has five 20+ goal seasons since 2003, with the only exception being a somewhat disappointing performance last year where he netted 19 goals. Frolov is one of the best puck possession players in the NHL and still doesn’t have a contract. Let’s not kid ourselves, that’s mostly the fault of Kovalchuk, and until he signs we won’t see any movement on Frolov, but it’s interesting that he hasn’t had a serious offer since he became a free agent.

Marty Turco – Turco has had a rouch past few seasons to be sure. In his defense, he’s played behind an atrocious Dallas Stars team for those two seasons. Regardless, the fact that he is sitting at home without an appealing contract outside of Mother Russia does not bode well for his future career. Many analysts (including myself) have speculated that this might be the year that a salary correction for goalkeepers really starts to take hold. Only time will tell, but the fact that Turco can’t get a gig makes it look likely.