Even LeBron James didn’t need this long to decide, and he had suitors. The Ilya Kovalchuk Sale is in its 10th day, with customers conspicuous by their scarcity.
The Devils still appear to be the leading, and perhaps only, NHL team in the bidding for the superstar left wing, arguably the best-ever unrestricted free agent to hit the market, given his age of 27.
Russia’s St. Petersburg team in the KHL is believed to be still bidding, while the Kings offered, withdrew and then returned to the table last week, only to pull out once more.
It may take a short-term “prove it” deal to lure in new suitors, if the sticking point is location, rather than pay.
Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, said in a text message Monday that Kovalchuk was about to make a decision, but Grossman hasn’t been heard from since.
The Devils made an investment in Kovalchuk when they traded for him as an upcoming unrestricted on Feb. 4, acquiring him with Anssi Salmela and a swap of second-rounders from Atlanta for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, prospect Patrice Cormier and a first-round pick.
Kovalchuk turned down Atlanta bids of $70 million over seven years and $100 million over 12 before he was dealt to New Jersey.
Reports say Kovalchuk initially wanted $100 million over 10 years. One source suggested early that the Devils might be offering $60 million over seven years, while the latest report said $100 million over 17 years.
Although they likely could have the league approve a deal with Kovalchuk now, thanks to the 10 percent cap overage allowed in summer, the Devils would have to clear almost as much cap space as his salary by opening day, because they have another five or six roster spots that would eat up the $4 million in space they have left.