Ilya Kovalchuk rumors: Devils confirm return to NHL coming
The New Jersey Devils confirmed Ilya Kovalchuk would like to make a return to the NHL this offseason.
The New Jersey Devils hold the rights to Ilya Kovalchuk, who’s currently in the KHL. However, he’s technically a free agent, meaning he is free to return to the NHL. Kovalchuk said earlier this year he’s open to returning to the world’s best hockey league. Devils general manager Ray Shero confirmed this morning that he is exploring a return to the NHL.
While New Jersey holds his rights, Kovalchuk’s previous contract was voided by the league after he left for the KHL. This means he technically doesn’t have a deal for next season. However, the Devils still have his rights, meaning they can sign him if they want.
In order for Kovalchuk to return to the NHL as a free agent, one of two things must happen. First, all 31 general managers would have to approve his return for this season. Secondly, Kovalchuk could wait a year. He’s technically on the voluntary retired list. Once Kovalchuk, who’s 34 years old, turns 35, he would be off the list and be able to become an unrestricted free agent.
Kovalchuk can't officially sign an NHL contract until July 1. So lots of time for all this to play out. But the Kovalchuk sweepstakes are on
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 9, 2017
Shero says Grossman free to speak to other teams about a potential deal. Devils would do a sign and trade. But deal has to make sense for NJ
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 9, 2017
There are three possible outcomes in this scenario if Kovalchuk makes his return to the NHL. His first option is to sign a deal with the Devils and play for the 2017-18 season. Kovalchuk will likely want a one-year deal due to his age and he likely wants to go year to year to keep his options open.
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Secondly, the KHL star could sign a deal with the Devils and then be traded to another team. This might be the most likely option. Kovalchuk probably wants to play for a contender and the Devils are certainly not contenders.
If any team wants him, they’d have to go through New Jersey. The Devils would likely let Kovalchuk talk to other teams in order to accommodate a trade. Thirdly, he could sit out a year and return in the summer of 2018 as a free agent.