Report: Kovalchuk ready for NHL return
Ilya Kovalchuk is close to returning to the NHL for the first time since leaving to play in the Russian KHL five years ago, according to reports.
Sport-Express reported the 34-year-old Kovalchuk was near a contract with the New York Rangers, which would mark his return to the NHL for the first time since 2013.
The terms of that agreement would need to be hashed out by league officials because of the complex terms under which Kovalchuk left the United States and New Jersey Devils.
Kovalchuk retired in June 2013 with 12 years and $77 million remaining on a 15-year deal signed in 2010. Because he was designated to the voluntary retirement list, Kovalchuk's rights belong to the Devils until he turns 35. Kovalchuk's 35th birthday is Sunday (April 15).
As of that date, Kovalchuk would likely be viewed as an unrestricted free agent.
With St. Petersburg in the KHL this season, Kovalchuk had 33 goals and 32 assists.
The first overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft notched 417 goals and 399 assists in 866 career games in the NHL.
--Field Level Media
