This is just... Why? Was there some family issue? Did he NOT somehow have the money to move his family to New Jersey? I can guarantee that he'll be back, but it's an absolute shame that he's doing this. One of my favorite current players...
- LetsGoBuffalo75

He was building a huge mansion in one of the richest towns in the country. I really don't understand this move at all.

Yakupov for a 2nd rounder anyone?

and the russian draftees will go further and further down
- nightmare3020

I wonder if anyone will use a 1st rounder on one anymore.

we had such a good team. this year. the next 5 years. we were set. we were set. we had a kovalchuk. we had a parise. and they both are gone. and we have nothing. nothing back from a trade.. nothing.

Yakupov for a 2nd rounder anyone?
- Pilgor09

We'll give you two... SOLD

Vanek to Devil rumours in eks new blog?

We can only hope. (frank), this is a nightmare.
- rmdevil313

In the end, he has done a tremendous amount of damage to that franchise. There is a very good chance, because of his decision, that the pick that you lose next year, as a result of his contract, will be a Top 10 pick (although I'm not counting out the Devils). Not to mention the fact, that who knows whether Parise would have stayed, if the Devils didn't committ that huge deal to Kovy. Maybe not, but maybe.

I'm still waiting for this to be a joke.

He was building a huge mansion in one of the richest towns in the country. I really don't understand this move at all.
- rmdevil313

There had to be some serious family issue with a kid or something... And I don't get why everyone is screaming "KHL!!!". It said he retired, not that he was terminating his contract and headed to the KHL.

IT'S ALL BETTMAN'S FAULT!!! IF THIS LOCKOUT NEVER HAPPENED HE WOULD'VE NEVER BEEN IN RUSSIA FOR THAT LONG, WOULD NOT HAVE PLAYED THAT MANY RUSSIAN GAMES... THERE HE GOES!!!! GONE!. gone.

Uh does he still get the 15 year contract whatever it was he signed? Cuz uh that's a terrible thing. Slap in the face. There needs to be legalities in the NHL cba for players that sign contracts and retire before its done. When players get signed to big ass contracts it's a mess. Shouldn't be allowed to sign anything longer then 5 years if u ask me based on too many unknowns such as retirement, constant injuries, decreases performance so teams can get out of contracts and players get nothing. Maybe they can buy him out, regardless he don't deserve the 14 whatever years left on his contract. Zero, zilch.

We'll give you two... SOLD
- scottyb262

I only want one though...

Russians... Am i right?

In the end, he has done a tremendous amount of damage to that franchise. There is a very good chance, because of his decision, that the pick that you lose next year, as a result of his contract, will be a Top 10 pick (although I'm not counting out the Devils). Not to mention the fact, that who knows whether Parise would have stayed, if the Devils didn't committ that huge deal to Kovy. Maybe not, but maybe.
- Pete V

Does that mean there are only 29 picks in the 1st round?

PLEASE TELL ME THIS IS A NIGHTMARE...can't be reality.

Doomed?

In the end, he has done a tremendous amount of damage to that franchise. There is a very good chance, because of his decision, that the pick that you lose next year, as a result of his contract, will be a Top 10 pick (although I'm not counting out the Devils). Not to mention the fact, that who knows whether Parise would have stayed, if the Devils didn't committ that huge deal to Kovy. Maybe not, but maybe.
- Pete V

Yeah, this is a complete bomb on our entire future and franchise. Unless Schneider can put the team on his back we are screwed. He is legitimately our only hope.

This was TG's tweet right before breaking the news:
RT @ChrisBottaNHL: 90% of #NJDevils season ticketholders renewing for 2013-14. 2,000 new season tickets sold.

(frank)in great, I wonder how many will be canceling now.

Todd Cordell: Report: New Jersey Devils Forward Ilya Kovalchuk Retires
- Todd.Cordell

If Ilya Kovalchuk retires or defects in the 2013 off-season (age 30 as of July 1 that year) and is not traded before doing so, following is an estimated breakdown of the recapture penalties for the involved teams.
Team Benefit Penalty
New Jersey Devils (2013-14 through 2024-25) $3,000,000 $250,000
IMPORTANT NOTES [ Edited June 2, 2013 ]: Teams do not receive a credit for net negative cap benefit (where cap hit exceeds salary over the course of the contract prior to retirement). However, in calculating net "cap advantage," teams do receive a credit for seasons in which cap hit exceeds salary ... Calculations for players who have been traded during the season are rough estimates based on best information available and may differ from actual league numbers.

http://capgeek.com/recapt...f_season_traded_year=2013

Wow. This bites for Devils fans . What a killer player to watch. Hope it is some stupid piece in misinformation.

PLEASE TELL ME THIS IS A NIGHTMARE...can't be reality.
- Rseen

If you're a devils fan it definitely is!

Doomed?
- broadstreet11

Doesn't do our situation justice.

I am sure Lou will come up with something. that guy is a genius. I don't think you guys will have to worry much

Does that mean there are only 29 picks in the 1st round?
- LetsGoBuffalo75

yes i believe so. its like how winnipeg got a compensation 2nd rounder this year so the 3rd round began with pick 62

this can't be actually happening.

WHY DO THE DEVILS ALWAYS GET SCREWED BY SUCH NONSENSE!!!

If Ilya Kovalchuk retires or defects in the 2013 off-season (age 30 as of July 1 that year) and is not traded before doing so, following is an estimated breakdown of the recapture penalties for the involved teams.
Team Benefit Penalty
New Jersey Devils (2013-14 through 2024-25) $3,000,000 $250,000
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Pat MaGroin[ Edited June 2, 2013 ]: Teams do not receive a credit for net negative cap benefit (where cap hit exceeds salary over the course of the contract prior to retirement). However, in calculating net "cap advantage," teams do receive a credit for seasons in which cap hit exceeds salary ... Calculations for players who have been traded during the season are rough estimates based on best information available and may differ from actual league numbers.

http://capgeek.com/recapt...f_season_traded_year=2013

English please?

I've got the mental capacity of a chimpanzee.