Ilya deal would start chain reaction for Devils
When one headache ends, another begins for Lou Lamoriello, who must decide who goes if Ilya Kovalchuk stays.
The Devils and Kovalchuk are waiting to see if the NHL will bless their contract this time.
The contract submitted for NHL registration Friday reportedly covers 15 years for a total of $100 million, an average cap hit of $6.67 million.
New Kovalchuk deal with Devils in NHL's hands In what may be their last chance to keep Ilya Kovalchuk in North America this season, the Devils are waiting -- again -- for the NHL to approve their latest contract, submitted yesterday.
If, as expected, the league OKs this deal, it will end a saga that reached 59 days today, which variously had the Kings, Islanders, Stars, Blues and St. Petersburg among potential suitors.
"We are reviewing the new contract and will make a decision in the appropriate time frame as prescribed in the CBA," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement. The Post first reported this latest contract yesterday on its website.
Heat's on Devils over Ilya, Zach It's really what late Devils owner John McMullen meant when he said "You don't want 50-goal scorers. Then you have to pay them." The update is you have a huge cap hit.
Done Deal-ya: Kovalchuk returns Monday, 07.19.2010 / 11:34 AM / News
By Eric Marin
Kovalchuk returns to New Jersey.
Big decisions take time, but Ilya Kovalchuk has made up his mind: he’s coming back to the Devils.
Since the free agent signing period began on July 1, almost every day brought new speculation on where the two-time 50-goal scorer might be headed. One of the most coveted unrestricteds in history, Kovalchuk finally ended the suspense Monday, following the Devils' announcement that he’s staying in the Garden State. A 1 p.m. press conference will be held Tuesday at Prudential Center.
Devils must clear cap space to sign Kovalchuk The Ilya Kovalchuk watch is becoming a saga, not surprising given his status as arguably the best-ever unrestricted free agent.
Still believed to have the inside track to sign the left wing, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello yesterday repeated his "status quo" mantra regarding his consistent desire to sign Kovalchuk, then added, "Nothing has changed today, yesterday or the day before."
KOVALCHUK TO SIGN SEVEN-YEAR, $60M DEAL WITH DEVILS According to a report, it appears that Ilya Kovalchuk is on the verge of re-signing with the New Jersey Devils.
The New York Post is reporting that the unrestricted free agent, who played the final 27 games of last season with the Devils, is going to sign a seven-year, $60 million contract with the team as soon as Monday.
Mottau, Devils nearing deal While there's no telling whether upcoming unrestricted free agents Paul Martin and
Ilya Kovalchuk will be back in New Jersey next season, it appears the Devils are close to re-signing defenseman
Mike Mottau , who also could be a full free agent July 1.
