Kings lure Kovalchuk back from Russia
After five years back home in Russia, Ilya Kovalchuk is ready to resume his Stanley Cup chase in Los Angeles. The high-scoring forward agreed to a three-year, $18.75 million deal on Saturday, choosing the Kings over several interested teams for his return to the NHL.
The 35-year-old Kovalchuk scored 816 points in 816 career games for the Atlanta Thrashers and the New Jersey Devils before leaving North America in 2013 for the Kontinental Hockey League’s SKA St. Petersburg. He led the KHL in scoring last season, and he was the MVP of the Olympic tournament in Pyeongchang while propelling the “Olympic Athletes from Russia” to a gold medal.
“He gives us an added element of skill and scoring, along with a desire to win,” Kings GM Rob Blake said.
Hurricanes-Flames: Carolina acquired defenseman Dougie Hamilton and gave up Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin in a five-player trade with Calgary, the biggest deal yet this NHL offseason.
Islanders: Coveted free agent John Tavares will meet with multiple teams when the negotiating window begins today. He could still return to New York, but the Sharks and Maple Leafs are expected to get a crack at wooing the 27-year-old center. satisfaction or exhilaration when maybe it’s expected or vice versa, or other emotions . ... I’m just glad to keep this going, and I don’t want to celebrate too much.”
Cilic booked his place in a second successive Queen’s Club final by edging Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4) in a match which featured no breaks of serve.
Gerry Weber Open: Defending champion Roger Federer will play 21-year-old Borna Coric in the Gerry Weber Open final today as he chases his 99th career singles title. Federer reached his 12th final in Halle, Germany, by beating qualifier Denis Kudla 7-6 (1), 7-5. Coric advanced when fourth-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut retired injured after slipping in their semifinal. The Spaniard was leading 3-2 in the first set.
Birmingham Classic: Defending champion Petra Kvitova raced impressively into the final with a 6-3, 6-2 win against Mihaela Buzarnescu. She will face Magdalena Rybarikova in today’s final in England.