On Ilya Kovalchuk …
Pierre LeBrun: Devils GM Ray Shero spoke with Ilya Kovalchuk’s agent Jay Grossman and Kovalchuk definitely wants to return to the NHL next season.
Pierre LeBrun: Shero said that Kovalchuk’s camp is able to speak with other teams about a potential deal. The Devils would do a sign-and-trade, but the deal has to make sense for the Devils.
Pierre LeBrun: Kovalchuk is not eligible to sign a contract until July 1st, so there is a lot of time for things to play out.
Bob McKenzie: “On Kovalchuk, agent can agree to contract terms with new team, new team can agree to trade terms with NJ, NJ signs Kovalchuk and trades him. Kovalchuk cannot come off the NHL’s Voluntary Retirement List unless he signs with NJ. Therefore, the need for a sign and trade. Technically, Kovalchuk cannot “sign” contract until July 1, but there’s really nothing to prevent everything else happening before that. Regardless, Kovalchuk is non-factor for expansion draft. Not eligible to be taken, not eligible to be exposed/protected. He’s on VRL Island. BTW, worth noting, if Kovalchuk were to wait 1 more year to return to NHL, at age 35, he would do so as a totally unrestricted free agent.”
Bob McKenzie: “So in answer to many questions, no, 2017 draft picks cannot be in play as part of any Kovalchuk trade and expansion draft total non-factor.”
Bob McKenize: “Also reasonable to assume Kovalchuk not interested in being part of NJ rebuild; he’s returning to NHL for immediate/legit chance to win Cup.”
Chris Johnston: If Kovalchuk’s NHL deal weren’t terminated he’d still have eight years left on the contract with salaries of $10 million, $7 million, $4 million, $1 million, $1 million, $1 million, $3 million, $4 million.