Post by Anaheim GM on Aug 22, 2011 14:00:16 GMT -5
Anaheim, CA.- Alexei Kovalev has played for Owner/President/GM Mark Kopsack longer than any player within the Anaheim organization. Rumors were swirling that Kopsack was in negotiations with Alexei (Kovalev) to extend his contract when the Russian winger decided that this upcoming season would be his last in North America. "Alexei will happily and contently honor his obligations to play in Anaheim until the end of the upcoming year, and at that point, will return to Russia to decide what is next for his career," a spokesperson for the winger told reporters.
One of Kopsack's first moves in the NsHL (prior to the 2003-04 season), he added the veteran winger in exchange for Stanislav Chistov, a first round draft selection, and other considerations. "It was a deal that I certainly never regretted making," Kopsack told reporters. "Alexei has been an invaluable leader, a consistently dominating and productive player, as well as a tremendous asset to our community. In short, he is the very best fiber that makes up the Anaheim Ducks team. He is irreplaceable," Kopsack stated.
Alexei has one year remaining on a $6,000,000 per year contract that includes a no-trade clause. When asked what is most important about the upcoming year, the Russian winger told reporters, "A Stanley Cup win, of course." Kopsack promised that the Anaheim Ducks will give him "every opportunity possible to win a Cup this season. He has my word."
One of Kopsack's first moves in the NsHL (prior to the 2003-04 season), he added the veteran winger in exchange for Stanislav Chistov, a first round draft selection, and other considerations. "It was a deal that I certainly never regretted making," Kopsack told reporters. "Alexei has been an invaluable leader, a consistently dominating and productive player, as well as a tremendous asset to our community. In short, he is the very best fiber that makes up the Anaheim Ducks team. He is irreplaceable," Kopsack stated.
Alexei has one year remaining on a $6,000,000 per year contract that includes a no-trade clause. When asked what is most important about the upcoming year, the Russian winger told reporters, "A Stanley Cup win, of course." Kopsack promised that the Anaheim Ducks will give him "every opportunity possible to win a Cup this season. He has my word."