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What they’re saying about Kovalchuk bolting for the KHL

kovalchuk

Few - aside from New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello, perhaps - saw Ilya Kovalchuk’s “retirement” decision coming. It’s not surprising that people reacted in dramatic ways, though.

Let’s take a look at what observers had to say about Kovalchuk leaving the Devils and NHL behind for the KHL.

It would be foolish not to start with former player and NBC analyst Jeremy Roenick, who fired up six critical Tweets up following the announcement. Here are (arguably) the two most memorable quips:

I am shocked that kovalchuk would do this to the devils and their fan base!!! Devils lose so much w this decision it’s scary!!! Selfish !!!!

— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) July 11, 2013


Hey Ilya hope u live comfortably in Russia w the money u made from the 23 million u stole from the devils Again I’m right in my analysis

— Jeremy Roenick (@Jeremy_Roenick) July 11, 2013


(There’s a strong chance “Again, I’m right in my analysis,” will have some legs as a Twitter meme.)The Hockey News’ Adam Porteau makes a timely Alex Ovechkin reference.

Note to all Professional Hockey Writers’ Association members: DO NOT VOTE FOR ILYA KOVALCHUK AT ANY POSITION ON THE 2013-14 ALL-STAR TEAM.

— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) July 11, 2013


Former NHL.com writer Dave Lozo spoils a Sean Connery movie from 1990.

Kovalchuk infiltrates NJ. Costs team Parise, 1st-round pick, destroys cap. Best Russian subterfuge since the cook in Hunt For Red October.

— Dave Lozo (@DaveLozo) July 11, 2013


The National Post’s Bruce Arthur reminds us that playing in a foreign land isn’t necessarily easy, even if you’ve been in North America for years.

As Sergei Fedorov once told me, for Russian players, “it’s never been easy.” Easier now, of course. But still not home.

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) July 11, 2013


This won’t provide Devils fans much/any solace, but the CBC’s Elliotte Friedman notes another silver lining for the franchise.

Because without this contract on the books, it will be easier to find a seller or a cash infusion for the team.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 11, 2013


Indeed, TSN’s Bob McKenzie ranks among the many who believe that both Kovalchuk and the Devils were mutually on board with the move. Or at least there were benefits for both sides.

6. When all is said and done, as big a short-term hole as Kovalchuk’s departure leaves in NJ, it’s a divorce of convenience for both sides.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 11, 2013


Metta World Peace - aka the NBA player formerly known as Ron Artest - provided one of the best lines on Thursday:

I’m retiring and playing hockey

— Metta World Peace (@MettaWorldPeace) July 12, 2013


Meanwhile, many Devils fans (and hockey fans in general) probably relate to In Lou We Trust’s simple headline: “What?”

At least, that’s likely the PG version of their reactions ...