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NHL deal looms for Kovalchuk and the Devils

Heidi Pope Werner Written by Heidi Pope Werner, Wednesday August 25 2010
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After rejecting a 17-year, $102 million contract deal, the NHL could be in danger of sending one of the league’s top scorers to play in Russia. Illya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils have submitted a new deal for approval.


The framework of the new deal comes after an August 9 arbitration voiding the initial contract, primarily on grounds that it circumvented the CBA’s salary cap. The latest proposal may present a deal over 15 years, but the league seeks to limit the maximum to a 13-year, or less, contract. Recently, Roberto Luongo and Marian Hossa both signed 12-year deals with their prospective teams, which is more in line with the NHL contract guidelines but could be under scrutiny as negations continue.


“In order for a contract to be rejected, it would have to be a signed contract submitted,” Bettman said at a Wednesday press conference with reporters at the World Hockey Summit. “There has not been a signed contract submitted.”


The New Jersey Devils and Illya Kovalchuk are keeping the negotiations alive despite a looming September 8 Russian league deadline. In July, reports surfaced that KHL’s franchise SKA St. Petersburg was interested in signing Kovalchuk.


Both sides will continue to adjust the deal under NHL guidelines and approval of the newly adjusted framework. As the league’s leading goal scorer since 2001, he has scored 338 career goals, the most by any player in the league in that period. Without a solid contract, the Devils are not able to market next season without a clear deal for Kovalchuk.

 


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