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"NJ DEVILS BUZZ"

The Rock, NJ • United States • 35 Years Old • Male

It's in hands of Ilya Kovalchuk and union

Lou Lamoriello was not anxious to discuss the NHL's decision to reject the 17-year, $102 million contract signed by Ilya Kovalchuk.


But when contacted Wednesday night, the Devils general manager seemed to suggest the team is not currently reworking the contract but waiting for help from the NHL Players' Association.

"We just have to wait for the process right now with the way the CBA reads," Lamoriello said. "Right now it's in the player's hands and the union's hands. We just have to wait."

So, is the NHLPA filing a grievance on behalf of Kovalchuk in an effort to keep the current deal?

"I have not spoken to them. Not that I will," Lamoriello answered. "Right now we just have to wait and let the process take care of itself. It's with the player and the union right now."

I asked Lamoriello if he was considering reworking the contract.

"I don't want to go any further because I'm going to get off track," the GM said. "Like I said in my statement, we've done nothing wrong."

The NHL feels the contract is too long and that Kovalchuk will not be playing in the final few seasons for a $550,000 salary. He will be 44 in the final year of the deal.

The Devils did not expect the NHL to reject the contract.

"Obviously," Lamoriello said. "Let's leave it at that."

* * *

Lamoriello said he has not re-signed defenseman Mark Fraser, but hopes to do so before the scheduled salary arbitration hearing on July 30.


"We'll see where that goes in the next couple of days," he said.

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