Ilya Kovalchuk hasn’t played at the NHL since leaving North America in favor of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League in 2013, but the celebrity left-winger is set to make his return to the top hockey league on the planet this summer as an unrestricted free agent.
When it comes to the odds on where Kovalchuk will property, on line sportsbook BetOnline has tabbed the New York Rangers as the +200 front-runners, with the Los Angeles Kings (+250), San Jose Sharks (+300), New York Islanders (+400), New Jersey Devils (+600) and Carolina Hurricanes (+1000) also readily available to bet on.
Kovalchuk gets a blank slate
At 35, it’s no secret Kovalchuk is beyond his prime, but he’ll be a hot commodity in free service regardless of his era. The Russian established himself as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL in his 11 decades, compiling 417 aims and 399 aids in 816 career games. Kovalchuk spent his first eight seasons with an now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers prior to continuing on to the New Jersey Devils.
Kovalchuk’s time with the Devils was shrouded in controversy, but as his first contract with the club was shut down from the NHL for profit cap circumvention. Soon after, the Devils inked him to a front-loaded 15-year, $100-million bargain in 2010. Kovalchuk decided to”retire” three years to the contract to go back home and play for SKA St. Petersburg, walking away from $77 million due to him from the Devils. New Jersey retained his rights before he turned 35 in April and became a free agent.
Which group gets the inside edge to sign the sniper?
Based on Darren Dreger of TSN, Kovalchuk is expected to fetch a contract term of 3 years with a mean yearly value of $6 million annually. Kovalchuk’s most important priority is reportedly winning a Stanley Cup, so expect him to be picky on a potential destination. He completed a California tour June 9 and 10, meeting with the Sharks and Kings — equally valid Stanley Cup contenders.
While it’s understandable to see the Devils on the board at +600, there is simply too much bad blood between the two sides for Kovalchuk to be reunited with his former staff, in my opinion. Packed with cap distance and in need of an injection of gift, the Rangers make sense as the favorites, but the value on the Sharks and Kings makes each of them an intriguing choice.
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