source nj.com
Ilya Kovalchuk has delayed a trip home to Russia in order to be present during the hearing at which the NHL and NHLPA will argue the validity of his 17-year, $102-million contract signed last month with the Devils. The hearing will be held in Boston on Wednesday and Thursday, according to northjersey.com.
Kovalchuk's presence increases the likelihood that he will speak at the hearing. Officials from the Devils and the NHL, as well as Kovalchuk's agent, Jay Grossman, could also be called to testify.
Northjersey.com also reported that the arbitrator chosen to handle the hearing is Richard Bloch. Once the hearing has concluded, Bloch will have 48 hours to make a decision in favor of the NHL -- which is arguing the front-loaded structure of the contract deliberately circumvents the NHL collective bargaining agreement and salary cap -- or the NHLPA. A ruling is expected Friday or Saturday.
If Bloch rules in favor of the NHLPA, Kovalchuk's contract must be immediately ratified by the league. If the decision goes to the NHL, Kovalchuk will once again become an unrestricted free agent and the Devils could be fined and docked draft picks.