The Deal that Was (Not Was)

Tomorrow marks one year since the Ilya Kovalchuk contract saga began.  For those who don't remember, the basic story is that Kovalchuk signed with the New Jersey Devils for 17 years...only to have that rejected.  He would later sign a 15 year deal that was finally accepted.  What has happened since then?  Let's take a look:

• New Jersey failed to reach the minimum for players dressed on a couple of games during the season.
• The Devils went through three coaches between the time it started and today: John MacLean, Jaques Lemaire, and Peter DeBoer.
• Martin Brodeur can no longer carry the Devils in the same manner that he did in his prime.  Granted, he is nearing 40, but too much was placed on him last season.
• At one point, the Devils were neck and neck with the New York Islanders...for the first overall pick in the past draft.
• Kovalchuk managed 31 goals and 60 points.  For a guy who's pulling down nine figures over the life of his contract, those are disappointing numbers, especially since Kovalchuk is capable of 50 goals every year.
• The Devils' biggest acquisition this year?  Adam Larsson, who was the fourth overall pick in this year's draft.

Given that the Devils didn't have a lot of room to even make decent sized acquisitions, one could look back at the Ilya Kovalchuk contract and wonder what would have happened if the Devils weren't so desperate for offense.  Now, there are fewer double-digit contract years for players since Kovalchuk, and the Devils still need to account for Zach Parise and Travis Zajac, two players who just so happen to be good offensive options.  And don't forget that Martin Brodeur will eventually retire, and the Devils don't have a solid future plan in goal.  If the Devils make the playoffs this coming season, it will be a surprise, given the Devils' problems trying to field a team within a salary cap.