Due to his parents, the all-time player for the New Jersey Devils has officially announced his departure from the team.
At her peak, Ilya Kovalchuk is a star. At thirty-nine, he has scored more goals (417) than any other player in the National Hockey League in his eleven seasons. He recently finished the third year of a $100 million, fifteen-year contract he signed with the Devils.
However, Kovalchuk abruptly announced his retirement on Thursday, leaving behind the approximately $77 million that was still owed on his contract in order to move back to Russia with his spouse and three kids.
During the lockout, Kovalchuk played 36 games for KHL team SKA St. Petersburg before deciding to return to Russia, according to a statement issued by the Devils and General Manager Lou Lamoriello.
Kovalchuk remarked, “I have been thinking about this decision for a long time, going back to the lockout and spending the year in Russia.” Lou knew that even though I had made the decision to come back this past season, I really wanted to go back home and be with my family. The hardest thing for me is having to say goodbye to the New Jersey Devils, a fantastic team for which I have the utmost regard, and our wonderful supporters who have supported me greatly.
The largest commitment the Devils have ever made to a player was a 17-year, $102 million contract, which they attempted to sign him to in July 2010. However, the N.H.L. decided that the agreement went against league rules. The Devils lost a first-round pick in the next draft, a $3 million fine, and their 2011 third-round draft choice. He was then given a 15-year contract with the Devils. Following the most recent lockout, the league outlawed long-term contracts like Kovalchuk’s. The maximum contract duration is currently eight years.
“Ilya’s decision to retire from the National Hockey League became official today, following numerous conversations with him over the past year,” Lamoriello said in the release. “Ilya and his family have my best wishes for continued success in their future endeavors on behalf of the entire organization.”
There is a financial benefit to Kovalchuk’s departure from the Devils. The Devils are only required to pay him $250,000 annually until 2024–2025, the final year of the contract, as a result of his contract becoming worthless.
Later on in a conference call, Lamoriello stated, “Right now we just have to take a step back to go forward, and we just have to evaluate what our options are and do the best we can.” “In September, we’ll be prepared to perform.”
Although Kovalchuk is leaving a large amount of money behind, he may earn a contract similar to the $6.67 million he averaged with the Devils with SKA or another K.H.L. team. Star salaries in the K.H.L. are comparable to those in the N.H.L.
