Kovalchuk’s 17-year-contract Under Discussion
A 17 year contract between Russian Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils that amounted to a $102-million salary was rejected by NHL, claiming that the agreement circumvented the salary cap established within the league. The contract was said to be illegal according to an inside person who wishes to remain anonymous. It was determined that in the contract, the salary for the final years was only added to lower the cap hit, with Kovalchuk only earning $550,00 for the last five seasons the contract covers.
More on Kovalchuk
The star forward who was originally traded by the Atlanta Thrashers recently finished his last season with the Devils. If the new, landmark contract pushes through, he will be 44 years old by the time the 17-year contract ends. Two years longer than Rick DiPietro’s 15-year contract with the New York Islanders, Kovalchuk claimed that his decision factored on the security the long-term contract would bring to him and his family. Adding to that is the opportunity to play with the institution that claimed three championship titles within fifteen seasons.
The supposed $102-million salary confined within 17 years was to be distributed unevenly throughout the years, with $550,000 capping out the final five years. The player was to earn 6 million for two seasons, 11.5 million for the next five, $10.5 for 2017-18, $8.5 for 2018-19, and $6.5 for 2019-20, ending at a total salary cap of 6 million annually until the contract ends, which is the average amount accepted per season.
The response of the National Hockey League Players
As a response, the lawyers of the National Hockey League Players filed a grievance against NHL’s decision, claiming that Kovalchuk has the right for an expedited resolution of the issue. Should the contract be voided, Kovalchuk would then be a free agent who may sign with the Devils or other clubs.
The star forward is also being eyed by the Los Angeles Kings and the Russian KHL for their club.
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