Shocking reports out of New Jersey today. Ilya Kovalchuk has retired from the NHL.
Kovalchuk, 30, had 12 years and $77 million dollars remaining on the 15-year mega-deal he signed with the New Jersey Devils in 2010.
The Devils will face a $250,000 penalty, every year from now until 24-25 based on the Cap Advantage Rules in the New CBA. The Devils also have to forfeit their 2014 first round pick at the NHL Draft, due to the penalties for signing Kovalchuk to a Cap Circumventing contract in the first place.
Statement from New Jersey Devils President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello:
“After many conversations with Ilya over the past year on his desire to retire from the National Hockey League, Ilya’s decision became official today. On behalf of the entire organization, I wish Ilya and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”
Statement from Ilya Kovalchuk:
“This decision was something I have thought about for a long time going back to the lockout and spending the year in Russia. Though I decided to return this past season, Lou was aware of my desire to go back home and have my family there with me. The most difficult thing for me is to leave the New Jersey Devils, a great organization that I have a lot of respect for, and our fans that have been great to me.”
Kovalchuk retires after 11 seasons in the NHL, 7 1/2 with Atlanta and 3 1/2 with New Jersey. He retires with career NHL totals of 417 goals and 399 assists for 816 points with 516 penalty minutes in 816 games.
Lamorello reported that the Devils have officially voided Kovalchuk’s contract, leaving him free to play in the KHL going forward. Kovalchuk is also expected to continue his international hockey career playing for Russia in the Sochi Olympics.
Thanks for reading, as always feel free to leave comments below and follow me on twitter @lastwordBKerr. Give the rest of the hockey department a follow while you’re at it – @BigMick99, @IswearGAA, and @LastWordOnNHL, and follow the site @lastwordonsport.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
Main photo credit: clydeorama via photopin cc
