Accepted, then REJECTED

I know this is late, but have any of you read the updated story in regards to Ilya Kovalchuk's 17-year, $102 million contract? The news broke out yesterday and before the announcement, some journalists were comparing Kovalchuk's long-awaited announcement to a certain NBA basketall player's decision. *cough* LeBron *cough*

Kovalchuk officially made the announcement at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey earlier today. According to sources and an article on ESPN New York, while this may the longest contract in NHL history, the league "determined that it was illegal."

"The contract was rejected because years of low salary at the end of the contract were added for the sole purpose of lowering the cap hit. The person added that no side believes Kovalchuk will play the final years of the deal at those terms. The star forward was slated to earn only $550,000 in each of the last five seasons of the contract that was to run through the 2026-27 season, when Kovalchuk would be 44."

You can read the rest of the updated article here


Always seem to be a downside to big news like this. Hopefully, things will work out and Kovalchuk will be able to play for the New Jersey Devils this upcoming season.

Photo credit: CBCSports
Photo credit: NHL Snipers