Getty Images Ilya Kovalchuk wants to know exactly what the NHL’s new CBA looks like before he makes up his mind about returning to North America to play for the New Jersey Devils. So until the agreement is ratified (expected to be Saturday), he’ll be staying in Russia with his KHL club, SKA St. Petersburg.
Oh, and staying in Russia beyond CBA ratification isn’t out of the question, he says. The 29-year-old tells Sport-Express that he’s “not in a hurry to get to America” and plans to play in Sunday’s KHL All-Star game if the league’s commissioner, Alexander Medvedev, allows it.
And if the NHL’s new CBA isn’t to his liking?
“Time will tell (if I stay in the KHL),” Kovalchuk said. “Nothing is out of the question.”
Kovalchuk has $88 million remaining on his contract with the Devils, so there’s plenty of incentive to return to North America; however, it’s likely he’ll lose some of his salary to escrow as the NHL transitions to a 50-50 split of league revenues between players and owners.
Also, according to Sport-Express, there may be Russian “oil and natural gas magnates” that are hoping to keep Kovalchuk, along with Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk, in the KHL.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says the KHL has indicated it will honor Kovalchuk’s contract with the Devils, as per an agreement between the two leagues.
Related: Could Ovechkin and/or Kovalchuk legally get out of their NHL contracts?
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This might be getting old to him by now.
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AP
He was banged up roughly in Game 3.
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A 13-percent rise from last year.
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Off to a surprising 2-1 series lead over Chicago.
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He’ll replace Peter Horachek, who was fired yesterday.
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Now Stephane Roy says he doesn’t know if the Avs will hire his brother
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(His brother is Patrick Roy.)
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Dallas to unveil new uniforms, make ‘significant announcement’ on June 4
May 21, 2013, 4:20 PM EDT
Ooooh, intrigue.
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Meanwhile, Logan Couture says he’s “all good.”
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Jackets GM Kekalainen: ‘I really don’t care’ if Johansen was unhappy in AHL
May 21, 2013, 4:01 PM EDT
Jarmo, talking tough.
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Montreal’s 27-year-old defenseman was hurt in April while trying to hit Milan Lucic.
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Must win? Sharks’ Boyle says series ‘has to be 2-2′ after tonight
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San Jose hasn’t lost at HP Pavilion this postseason.
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Edmonton’s new rink is set to open in 2016.
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Devs’ Brodeur ‘thrilled’ to join CBC as guest analyst, will debut Wednesday
May 21, 2013, 2:20 PM EDT
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The panel gets another goalie.
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AP
It’s his old team, Dynamo Moscow.
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It’s been two weeks since they were swept by the Sharks.
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He’s “getting closer” to a return, though.
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Marchand wants Bruins to show ‘killer instinct’ tonight at MSG
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Boston can take a commanding lead on the Rangers.
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Ray Emery sits…for now.
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The 29-year-old was on the ice for all five Boston goals in Game 2.
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He’s got the Red Wings two wins shy of a huge upset.
