With the Ilya Kovalchuk contract debacle still going, I came across this article today from Tara Sullivan of The Bergen Record. She discusses how contract issues are keeping fans from talking about what is occurring on the field, ice, court, etc; and instead has them talking about what is happening behind office doors and court rooms. She uses the Kovalchuk situation as one of her main points.

I thought this was a fitting discussion given our current situation as Devils fans. While we try to look ahead to the upcoming season, it's hard to do so without knowing the complexion of our team. I know a lot of this won't start taking shape until all of the off season acquisitions are made and the preseason starts; but wouldn't we rather talk about just that, and not contract circumvention and the legal in's and out's of CBA's and SPC's? The two do go hand and hand to a certain extent, but I don't know if it should be this much. The business side of sports is seeping into the mainstream discussion more than ever. With these massive multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts, how can it not. But is that truly what sports is about? Is that what sports has become or is becoming? ILWT readers have dived deep into the CBA and legal ramifications for the Kovalchuk contract case. While I think as fans we need to be aware of these and understand them, it also seems to me that this goes against what hockey and sports in general is truly about - the action on the ice or playing field. I'm in no way saying that we as Devils fans should completely stop discussing the Kovalchuk issue, because well, at the moment it's the biggest thing happening with our team. I also understand that during the off season the amount of content is limited. But as fans wouldn't we much rather read and discuss how Ilya could or is going help improve our team and how the other signings will improve the team. I won't deny that these have been discussed, but not at the length this contract case has been talked about.

I would like to point out that the Prospect Profiles by Tom and the Martin Brodeur Monthly Goal Reviews by John have been wonderful to read. For me, it is nice to learn about the young talent in our farm system and look back at statistics from previous seasons. It allows us to look ahead to the upcoming season and see who can come up and contribute and where our players can improve on previous numbers.

Thank you for reading my thoughts and I hope my view has come across clearly - I'm not the greatest at putting what's in my head on paper. Please let me know if you agree, disagree or what your thoughts may be. Lastly, Go Devils.