Highly-touted free agent Ilya Kovalchuk has made his decision for the upcoming NHL season (and no, not via some ill-conceived ESPN broadcast).
Quite surprising to many, the Russian forward has decided to stay in New Jersey, following weeks of rumours swirling that he would be traveling to the bright lights of Los Angeles.
The contract for the 27-year-old Kovalchuk is reportedly for $102 million over 17 years, essentially locking him in until retirement.
Following weeks of speculation that Kovy would become a King, the two sides could not come together on a deal, and it was New Jersey who was able to persuade the three-time All-Star to return to the Devils.
The Devils have been busy this offseason, already bringing in defencemen Anton Volchenkov and Henry Tallinder, bulking up their blueline.
They have also traded for Jason Arnott, bringing him back to New Jersey following a stint in Nashville.
Behind the bench, the team has also made a change, bringing in John MacLean as the new head coach.
With the addition of Kovalchuk, the Devils now become one of the favourites to win the Eastern Conference for the upcomin ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Kyle W. Brown
Ilya Kovalchuk Decides to Remain a Devil
July 19th, 2010 by Kyle W. Brown Leave a reply »
Advertisement