Ilya Kovalchuk Confirmation Ends Pain For New Jersey Devils Fans
By Nick Villano
For the four years since Ilya Kovalchuk announced his retirement from the New Jersey Devils, rumors about his return to the NHL never stopped. Tuesday the rumors were finally proven true.
New Jersey Devils general manager Ray Shero spoke with Jay Grossman, the agent for Ilya Kovalchuk. He confirmed that Kovalchuk is ready to return to the NHL after four years in Russia’s KHL.
This has been a roller coaster of emotions for Devils fans. It’s the one issue that splits fans more than Cory Schneider. Many fans think the team should do everything it can to bring the Russian sniper to the team. After five years without even a hint of the playoffs, some fans are desperate for more talent.
On the other side of the cup, some fans are too hurt from him leaving the first time. They want nothing to do with him, no matter what the circumstances. Fans treat their love of their team like a relationship, and Kovalchuk ended their marriage without any explanation.
He chose Russia over New Jersey. He went home, just one year after Zach Parise did the same thing. Kovalchuk took an open wound, and ripped it open.
Now, the healing process can finally start. Whether you love or hate Kovalchuk, this is the start of a new beginning.
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No matter what, Devils fans can finally see an end to the never-ending debate. The will-he won’t-he aspect of Kovalchuk’s existence ends on Tuesday, April 9th. There is an official conversation between general manager and agent.
Now comes the interesting part. Rumors, which once again have been proven to be untrue, say that Kovalchuk does not want to play for the Devils. Those same rumors claim he wants to play in the New York area or in Florida. Shero says he is free to speak with other teams, but per NHL rules he can’t sign with them unless he is traded from the Devils AFTER signing.
At the end of a long four-year process, Kovalchuk is going to help the future of the Devils franchise. His worth is near impossible to predict, but no matter what the Devils get in return for Kovalchuk, it’s like getting something for free.