Ilya Kovalchuk is set to return to New Jersey and expected to be re-signed with the Devils. The team's website says that the Devils will convene a Tuesday afternoon press conference at the Prudential Center to make a formal announcement in this regard. The Devils and the Los Angeles Kings were considered as Ilya Kovalchuk's two main bidders since the free agent signing period kicked off on July 1. As per the deal, the left wing will receive USD 60 million for over seven years.
Ilya Kovalchuk featured in 27 games last season for the Devils after switching from Atlanta in a February 4 trade. He reportedly rejected offers of $70 million over seven years and $100 million over 12 years from the Thrashers. The team had then given up on re-signing the player and drafted Ilya Kovalchuk to New Jersey in return of Atlanta defenseman Johnny Oduya, right wing Niclas Bergfors, forward Patrice Cormier and a first-round draft pick.
Ilya Kovalchuk has reached 53 goals with Atlanta and scored 41 in 76 outings since he became the first draft pick of 2001.Ilya Kovalchuk has netted 10 goals and boasts of 17 assists in 27 games for New. Ilya Kovalchuk increased the two goals and four assists in five playoff games as the Devils were beaten by Philadelphia in the first round. The 27-year-old Russian native has overall 338 goals and 304 assists for 642 points in 621 regular-season games. He is one of the finest offensive players for Atlanta.
