On Ilya Kovalchuk …
Bob McKenzie: Following up Elliotte Friedman’s report of Ilya Kovalchuk potentially coming back to the NHL.
“1. Kovalchuk remains property of NJD as he is on the Voluntary Retirement List (VRL) so he is free to sign with them for coming season.
2. If Kovalchuk doesn’t want to return to NJ, he could sign with ANY team as long as EVERY other team in NHL signs off on it. Not a chance.
3a. Because Kovalchuk is on VRL, NJ can’t trade his rights to any team unless Kovalchuk signs with NJ first. So sign and trade possible.
3b. Note: Only way Kovalchuk can come off VRL is by signing with NJ. Player on VRL can’t have rights traded. Thus, sign and trade is req’d.
4. As I understand it, these rules/scenarios are applicable if Kovalchuk wants to return to the NHL for the coming 2017-18 season.”
Aivis Kalnins: “Kovalchuk is yet to “Seriously consider” NHL return. Says he would like to, but it won’t be easy.”
On the Boston Bruins and Zdeno Chara …
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Defenseman Zdeno Chara will be 40-years old during the final year of his contract with the Bruins. Chara averaged over 23 minutes in 75 games this past season. He wants to keep playing after next season and is open to discussing a contract extension with the Bruins.
“Of course I would,” said Chara, when asked if he’d be interested in an extension this summer. “It’s something where I want to continue to play, and I take a lot of pride in my offseason training and being ready for every season. It’s probably something that management has to think about and make a decision about, but I’ve said many times that I would like to play beyond this contract.”
Chara carries a $4 million salary cap hit this season. A short-term deal around the same money might interest the Bruins.