Arbitrator Rejects Ilya Kovalchuk’s Contract
The arbitrator in the case between the National Hockey League (NHL) and the New Jersey Devils has rejected the 17-year, $102 million contract, recently signed by Ilya Kovalchuk.
The arbitrator, Richard Blotch, ruled that the contract between the Devils and Kovalchuk be made void. This means that the 27-year-old sniper has once again become an unrestricted free agent (UFA).
The 17-year contract was structured in a way that saw the superstar making $6 million in his first two seasons with the squad, then making $11.5 million over the next six seasons. The contract then began to dip with Kovalchuk earning $10.5 million in 2018, and then $8.5 million the follow season. Eventually, the cap hit was limited to $550,000 in the last five years of the contract.
Bloch ruled that the NHL had the right to reject the Kovalchuk contract based on the fact that the deal attempted to circumvent the salary cap rules, and therefore violated the League’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daley had this to say on the NHL’s behalf: “We want to thank arbitrator Bloch for his prompt resolution to a complex issue. His ruling is consistent with the League’s view of the manner in which the collective bargaining agreement should deal with contracts that circumvent the salary cap.”
In response, the NHL’s Player Association (NHLPA), who were arguing in favour of the contract, issued this statement: “The NHLPA is disappointed with the arbitrator’s ruling to uphold the NHL’s rejection of the contract between the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk.”
It now falls on the Devils to try and put together another suitable contract for the young star. However, Kovalchuk is once again allowed to shop his services freely around the NHL.
Nevertheless, the ruling was somewhat expected, sparking many experts to argue that the Devils and Kovalchuk may already have a second contract worked out.
Last season, split between Atlanta and New Jersey, Kovalchuk registered 41 goals and 44 assists for 85 points. He truly is worth what the Devils are willing to pay.
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