Kovalchuk exploring KHL options as decision on Devils linger

[abc789987]

Feel free to merge this with old Kovy thread...
Kovalchuk exploring KHL options as decision on Devils lingers

For Ilya Kovalchuk(notes), his representatives, the New Jersey Devils and the NHL, time is running out. Weeks after Kovalchuk's 17-year, $102 million contract was rejected by the NHL, a difficult decision for the free-agent winger could come in the next 24-48 hours.

Sources close to Kovalchuk have told us that if the NHL does not approve any of the proposals submitted informally by the Devils, Kovalchuk may decide to play in the KHL next season.

Yesterday, KHL President Alexander Medvedev announced at the World Hockey Summit that he received a call from Kovalchuk's camp. This morning, Kovalchuk's Russian agent Yuri Nikolaev confirmed to Pavel Lysenkov of Sovetsky Sport that he indeed spoke with KHL's SKA. While Nikolaev refused to comment further, he did say that Friday is the day when the decision is made.

What's the obstacle between the NHL and Kovalchuk's side of the table? A source with knowledge of the negotiation told us that the Devils and Kovalchuk have submitted numerous proposals -- which were flexible in terms of player age, the length of the contract and allocation of the contract amount -- to the League.

The latest rejection, which came on Tuesday, dealt with the age of the player at the end of the contract.

Is the KHL talk a negotiation ploy? What about establishing a timetable for Kovalchuk's decision? It's possible. But know that all three sides continue tireless work on getting a deal done: More calls were scheduled between the NHL, the Devils and Kovalchuk's representation this afternoon to continue developing an acceptable framework for a contract.

But, nevertheless, the time is certainly running out.

Kovalchuk will participate in a charity game against Alex Ovechkin(notes) in Moscow on Sept. 5. The KHL season will start on Sept. 8.

I'm getting sick of hearing about him. I don't flippin care if he goes to the KHL at this point...

[WaukeeBlues]

Well the NHL should care.

If I'm the NHL brass, as long as this new contract is within the rhealm of feasability, you allow it. If you're the NHL, you've taken your stance, you won, you've made your point, so if the contract is at least okay, you take it: imo there is more harm to the NHL in letting one of their superstar players walk away than there would be in allowing a probably-still-controversial contract that is at least better than it was before, with the new precedent in place that you have more power than you did before.

[Openicehit6]

Tata


don't let the cabin door hit you as you board your plane to Russia

[cprice12]

If the league wants him to stay, they need to make it clear to the douchebag owners that they have to play within the rules and not try to circumvent the cap when offering him a contract.

Allowing contracts like the one NJ offered Kovy will do a lot more harm to the league than Kovy leaving to play in Russia.

If Kovalchuk wants to play in the NHL, he needs to get his ego in check and accept a contract that is structured within the rules of the CBA. If he doesn't want to do that, then he can take his overrated game and overpriced salary demands elsewhere.

He's not bigger than the game.

He's not even the best player in the league.

[philco_3]

If the league wants him to stay, they need to make it clear to the douchebag owners that they have to play within the rules and not try to circumvent the cap when offering him a contract.

Allowing contracts like the one NJ offered Kovy will do a lot more harm to the league than Kovy leaving to play in Russia.

If Kovalchuk wants to play in the NHL, he needs to get his ego in check and accept a contract that is structured within the rules of the CBA. If he doesn't want to do that, then he can take his overrated game and overpriced salary demands elsewhere.

He's not bigger than the game.

He's not even the best player in the league.

[illownyou]

It's debatable as to whether he's even in the top 10. There is more to being a good player than just scoring goals...and thats all he does.

[STLADOGG]

Just got a text from ESPN Alerts saying that "Devils revised 15-year, $100 million deal with RW Ilya Kovalchuck approved by NHL"
So the question now is where is Parise going to?

[glen a richter]

Just got a text from ESPN Alerts saying that "Devils revised 15-year, $100 million deal with RW Ilya Kovalchuck approved by NHL"
So the question now is where is Parise going to?

Detroit

[philco_3]

Just got a text from ESPN Alerts saying that "Devils revised 15-year, $100 million deal with RW Ilya Kovalchuck approved by NHL"
So the question now is where is Parise going to?

Detroit

Frank...

[WaukeeBlues]

Just got a text from ESPN Alerts saying that "Devils revised 15-year, $100 million deal with RW Ilya Kovalchuck approved by NHL"

Yup. Full article...

Clicky

No deets on the contract structure though. Obviously the cap hit per year was much higher but that's about all you can say with certainty.