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.
- LetsGoBuffalo75

I still think he plays the Olympics, unless he is hurt and unable to play.

If this is true this is legit the Lebron of the NHL.

The Devils have been totally molded around this guy.

And he just leaves?

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.
- LetsGoBuffalo75

If its family issues I can understand, as much as it sucks as a fan.

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. Our we going to have to PAY CAP because he RETIRED?!?!?

you guys want Vanek?

With what? We have no first round pick and we really can't give away many prospects.
- rmdevil313

Schneider They're looking to move Miller anyways...I'll laugh terribly if that turns out to be true...

God that's a frightening avatar
- scottyb262

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
- kasperrko

Other than there obvious best player by a mile is gone?

As well as Parise.

I'd say that's going to be hard to fix.

You wonder why so many Russians aren't getting drafted anymore. They're all leaving!


This is unf-uckin real! You could kindof see the writing on the wall though when he was late coming back over. He was the captain of SKA St.Petersburg over there you can tell he was hesitant to even come back.


According to capgeek, you guys are hit with a 250k cap-benefit recapture hit untl 2025

He has an NHL contract. Can he just say "I'm retired" and then go play in the KHL?

Nice that he waited until most of the free agents have been signed to let the Devils know he was leaving.

If this is true this is legit the Lebron of the NHL.

The Devils have been totally molded around this guy.

And he just leaves?
- MannySilvers

Kovy's taking his talents to MOTHA RUSSIA!!

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
- kasperrko

There is only so much he can do. He was a core piece for us moving forward and our only truly elite talent, although Schneider has the potential to develop in to one.

He has an NHL contract. Can he just say "I'm retired" and then go play in the KHL?
- maaddmike

yes

you guys want Vanek?
- rustbelt82

you and eklund think alike

English please. Our we going to have to PAY CAP because he RETIRED?!?!?
- MartysBetter88

Sorry, I have no idea, just re-posting what capgeeks said, stuff is way over my head.

There is only so much he can do. He was a core piece for us moving forward and our only truly elite talent, although Schneider has the potential to develop in to one.
- rmdevil313

I understand that but for some reason I never count Lou out. He always seems to figure it out and then they play my team and kills us. I have seen enough of Lou to know he will fix it some how. Plus it was reported that Lou knew this was a possibility so it came to no shock with to him

The Devils are going to hit that secondary free agent market kind of hard -- Jagr, Brunner, Morrow, Penner, et.

I wonder if anyone will use a 1st rounder on one anymore.
- rmdevil313

i wouldnt with my top 5 for sure, maybe not even top 10

Sorry, I have no idea, just re-posting what capgeeks said, stuff is way over my head.
- Pat MaGroin

Haha well what (frank)ing good are you?

FAIL! Won't they still have his cap hit until his contract is up?

OK, so apparently not a joke. Didnt think he would broadcast it through a tweet ....

Another Russian to the KHL!!

Go figure he makes this decision when free agency is pretty much over, and you can't get a replacement... There's always Vanek, though

Haha well what (frank)ing good are you?
- Pilgor09

Not much,

FAIL! Won't they still have his cap hit until his contract is up?
- cuethenoise

A 250k cap recapture penalty until some date well into the future.