Now that Kovalchuk is a free agent (as I predicted), what next?

First thing that should happen is he gives his agent, Jay Grossman, the Heisman.

“Talk to da hand,” Kovi should declare. “I must break you.”

It’s a move many Kings fans would welcome. Jay Grossman has been cast as the villain in this saga and many believe him to be the reason Lombardi got punked.

The way I look at it is, “who’s wearing the pants in this relationship?”

Regardless of Jay’s true role in his client’s failed contract, it is clear to me that the two should part ways. Kovalchuk really has no choice but to get new representation if he wants to restore some semblance of control. It won’t be real control, just the appearance of it.

Otherwise, he will stick with the status quo and continue to let Jay and Lou run his life. At least that will be the perception. The whole world knows that Ilya will sign with the Devils. We know this because Ilya made it known his undying love for New Jersey. He lost any ability to negotiate. He’s behind the eight ball.

So we will see very soon just how smart Kovalchuk is. If he even has half a brain, he must cut the cord. If not, my only conclusion is that for as incredibly talented as he is, he isn’t very bright.

Ilya Kovalchuk will soon become a free agent… again.

The man who will make this decision -Richard Bloch- is a man of many talents. Yeah, he’s a lawyer, author and an arbitrator blah, blah, blah. But did you know he’s also a hockey goalie and a magician?

That’s right. He’s actually played the game, which leads me to believe he loves hockey…and wants to protect it. He’s also very well known as a magician who takes his act around the world on cruise ships, “and is able to keep a law practice afloat in his spare time,” according to the magic organization to which he belongs: The International Brotherhood of Magicians.

They also consider him to be, “simply the best Master of Ceremonies anywhere,” (otherwise known as an MC or emcee). “The Magician” is the perfect choice to rule on what has been the biggest summer spectacle in the history of the NHL, which could have consequences that far exceed the eventual ruling if he sides with Kovalchuk:

“There could be a rush to sign high-profile free agents to Kovalchuk-like contracts before a new collective bargaining agreement is ratified…The NHL also would fight hard to have this loophole filled in the next CBA. Under a worst-case scenario, this could lead to another lockout.” -LA Times

Will “The Magician” take these potential consequences into account when making his decision? I suspect so. Is there any instance in the past where “The Magician” ruled in favor of a party at the expense of the CBA? It would appear so:

“We are extremely disappointed that arbitrator Richard Bloch ignored key provisions of the CBA…Bloch clearly exceeded his authority under the CBA.” -Dennis Curran (NFL counsel)

In this case, “The Magician” sided with the player. But in another big case involving the Philadelphia Eagles and Terrell Owens, he sided with the owners, which resulted in the same accusation of overreaching his authority. According to USA Today, “The players association was so incensed that executive director Gene Upshaw said he would have Bloch removed from the list of approved arbitrators.”

“He piled on,” Upshaw said. “He went beyond what we have in the agreement. When I have an arbitrator go beyond the agreement, I have no choice. Clearly, when you look at this case, his decision even went beyond what the Eagles said in their legal briefs.”

Regardless of the parties involved, it is clear that “The Magician” isn’t shy about making big, bold decisions, which is why I believe he may very well look beyond the letter of the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and side in favor of the greater good by disallowing such insane contracts. You might also simply get a hold of one of his business cards, which reportedly says:

“Richard Bloch – Whatever I Damn Well Want to Do.”

In the end though, all this means is that Kovalchuk will sign with the Devils again at a reduced rate. As much as I’d like to think it’s possible, I think there’s virtually zero chance of him signing with the Kings.

Yes, I know. Blasphemy.

And yet, as much as it is difficult or even impossible to comprehend the greatness that was Juraj (George) Mikus, it is equally impossible to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer a part of the Kings organization…for now.

Some may argue he is the Kings organization. And while this may be true (who am I to question such things), nonetheless, he will not be playing in North America this year…or will he?

1 year and 14 days ago, the Legend of Mikus was born. And with it came a year of unprecedented fanaticism, the likes of which have not been seen since the dramatic rise of Chuck Norris. We welcomed him, praised him, lauded him, loved him, and even worshiped him.  Yet, despite our best efforts, we never saw him play in a Kings jersey. Of course, I’m sure he wanted it that way.

And so it goes, Juraj Mikus exercised his option to go back to Europe (that process was originally described by Rich Hammond on July 21st, 2009):

I was able to get some further information about the Juraj Mikus situation, particularly in terms of the “option” he would have to return to Europe. From what I’m told, that “option” is very common, and a standard part of a contract for a player with European experience. It’s a mutual thing…in case both sides think it’s best for a player to be assigned overseas.

Well, we all know that “both sides” didn’t think it was best for him to leave. It was purely Mikus’ choice. So where did he go? Well, he decided to grace Russia with his presence. It was reported here and here that:

Slovak forward Juraj Mikus (from the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL) has signed a 2 year contract with the KHL’s Moscow Spartak

This news leaves us with a theme. Both last summer’s big story (Mikus signing with the Kings) and this summer’s big story (Kovalchuk almost signing with the Kings) has a Russian connection. The former departs for it, the latter never arrives. Not to mention, throw in Frolov walking away for nothing, and the Kings have what appears to be somewhat of a jinx in place when it comes to our former cold war foes.

And while no one knows for certain what spurred Juraj’s decision to give up on his dream of playing in the NHL, one can speculate that it either had something to do with wanting to be closer to home (Slovakia) or his sense of fairness in not wanting to take over the NHL (or maybe he just didn’t think the LA Kings were ready to win their first ever Stanley Cup).

And while it appears the Legend of Mikus is over, there is a chance that all of this information is completely wrong.

In case you didn’t know, there are two players with the name Juraj Mikus. One is a forward (our Mikus), the other a defenseman (both from Slovakia).  The same report that has our Mikus going to Spartak also says that he was their 3rd round draft pick last year (60th overall). Well, low and behold, I looked up that draft and the Spartak’s did, in fact, draft Mikus 60th overall.

However.

The draft has him listed as a DEFENSEMAN!!!

Could it be that the other Mikus has left for the KHL and not our Mikus?

The Legend continues…