On Monday, thejerseychaser.com reported that the New Jersey Devils signed Ilya Kovalchuk to a 17-year contract worth $102m. No sooner did the ink dry on the dotted line than did the NHL reject the contract.
The NHL does not believe Kovalchuk nor the Devils believe the Russian winger will serve the full 17-years and therefore are in breach of contract. This is the first contract of its kind to be overruled by the NHL. In the past, the league has investigated Chris Pronger and Marian Hossa’s contracts but did not find reasonable doubt.
The Devils now must file the contract once again or the Players’ Association can file a grievance. If a grievance is filed the contract will be determined valid by arbitration (judicial system).
