Robin Kovacs Will Play in North America
Robin Kovacs is apparently headed to North America this season.
Kovacs’ general manager Anders Carlsson revealed in an interview that the Rangers pick was a question mark for his club this season. Kovacs plays for Rogle BK of the SHL but played most of last season with AIK IF on loan. Kovacs scored 21 goals in 44 games with AIK.
The interview with Carlsson regarding Kovacs’ immediate future can be found here (in Swedish).
(Note: I am not a linguist, this was translated with Google.)
Talent Alexander Nylander and Robin Kovacs signed two-year contract with Rogle a year ago. They lent all of last season, was drafted recently by respective NHL organization and wrote out where his three-year contract. Nylander was already taken in the first round by the Buffalo Sabres .
- Alexander will not play in Sweden next season. He has written NHL contract and has said he will play in North America, says Anders Carlsson.
What comes around Robin Kovacs ( belonging to the New York Rangers )?
- It's the same thing there, he'll play in North America.
But Kovacs was not in draftens first round and is under 22 years - some say the regulations then he will be offered to you before the AHL if there will be games in the NHL?
- We'll see when that day comes .
But yes, it is true, that you have rights on your side?
- Yes. If we want.
Do you want it?
- We do not need to decide now. The question does not arise .
Confused? You’re not alone.
It appears that Kovacs will have the option to return to Sweden if he’s not happy playing with the Wolf Pack.
It’s exciting to see that he will and can be competing for a roster spot next season, but the odds are stacked against him. Given the Rangers current contract and roster situation, Hartford appears to be the most likely landing spot for the former third round pick.
Some seasoning in the AHL and adjusting to the North American game is almost certainly necessary for Kovacs. Right now, it appears that Kovacs is bound for the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Back in May there were already some rumblings that Kovacs would be headed to North America. Kovacs, 19, signed his entry-level contract with the Rangers on July 15th. Where he plays next season (North America or Europe) won’t impact when he gets his arbitration rights.
