According to a press release from the New Jersey Devils, Ilya Kovalchuk has announced his retirement from the NHL at the age of 30 to return home to Russia.
Kovalchuk still had 12 years and $77 million left on his massive contract that he signed back in 2010. Cap Geek reports that New Jersey will take a $250,000 cap hit every season through 2024-25 due to the cap restructure penalty, a total of $2.75 million.
Here is a statement from Kovalchuk following his announcement:
“This decision was something I have thought about for a long time going back to the lockout and spending the year in Russia. Though I decided to return this past season, Lou was aware of my desire to go back home and have my family there with me. The most difficult thing for me is to leave the New Jersey Devils, a great organization that I have a lot of respect for, and our fans that have been great to me.”
Rumors of Kovalchuk leaving the NHL for Russia date back to the beginning of last year's lockout, as Kovalchuk noted his preference to play in the KHL and be with his family. However, Kovalchuk returned to the Devils for a shortened season after the l ...
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Article written by Joseph Kuchie
Ilya Kovalchuk Retires from NHL: What It Means for the New Jersey Devils
July 11th, 2013 by Joseph Kuchie Leave a reply »
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