The Value of: Ales Kotalik

NHL Hot Stove presents it’s “The Value Of” series which will look at some of the names discussed around the NHL who likely will be moved at the March 3rd trade deadline.

After enduring four long games on the bench after a few previous stints watching from the press box, Ranger forward Ales Kotalik would like a trade.  Jim Schmiedeberg of Blueshirt Banter describes the full story as Kotalik seems destined for a new destination.

The short explanation says Kotalik will not honor a March autograph session because he would like to be moved and preferably to a Western Conference team.  At 31-years old and two more years left on his contract his value must be at an all-time low.

Through 44 games the enigmatic power forward posted 22 points, with 16 coming with the man advantage.

Coach John Tortorella brought him in after watching him on the Sabres and admiring his powerful one-timer.  He designed a powerplay system surrounded around Kotalik and rookie Michael Del Zotto, hoping the young defenseman would feed his counterpart often and successfully.  Through the first twelve games he played at a point-per-game pace which really discounts his numbers over the remaining 32 games.

His 22 points place him sixth on the team in scoring which speaks more on the Rangers inability to score when he struggles than his role on the team.  Still there must be a need for a four time 20-goal scorer somewhere out there.

Last year he fetched a 2nd round pick from the Oilers terminating his tenure in Buffalo.  Considering Kotalik only potted 43 points last year, his 40 point pace seems surprisingly consistent.  Regardless, GM Glen Sather most likely will dump his salary with two more years of a flat 3 million dollar cap hit.

Sather dumped Matt Cullen to the Hurricanes with three years remaining at a similar salary.  Cullen only fetched a 3rd round pick, an AHL player and a mid-level prospect.  At best the Rangers look at a 3rd round pick and some help for the Wolfpack.  Calgary and possibly Colorado or Anaheim likely would require help on the wing come deadline day or if these rumors prove true even sooner.

Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Editor
amonaghan@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @NHLHotStove