The Ilya Kovalchuk watch is becoming a saga, not surprising given his status as arguably the best-ever unrestricted free agent.
Still believed to have the inside track to sign the left wing, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello yesterday repeated his “status quo” mantra regarding his consistent desire to sign Kovalchuk, then added, “Nothing has changed today, yesterday or the day before.”
Speculation began to percolate as how Lamoriello could sign Kovalchuk and remain beneath the salary cap of $59.4 million, or even use his summertime 10 percent excess allowance. He has some $6 million in room, counting 16 obvious regulars, and aside from Kovalchuk, would have to count six more for a 23-man roster, that half-dozen likely to total at least $4 million.
Should he sign Kovalchuk, and the figure of $60 million over seven years offered by one source seems realistic, he would barely have that 110 percent summertime space, and would have to shed some $6 million in salaries by Game 1.
Clearing cap space is a difficult task, especially with eight no-trade contracts: Brian Rolston, Jamie Langenbrunner, Patrik Elias (no movement), Jason Arnott, Colin White, Anton Volchenkov, Martin Brodeur and Johan Hedberg, none of which have expired or contain windows of relief, sources say.
Several of those players are said to have not been approached to waive their clauses.
Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) appear the most likely sacrificial candidates without no-trade clauses. The Devils have Zach Parise, Elias, Zubrus and Brian Rolston as nominal left wings, where Kovalchuk plays.
News was scanty yesterday, despite Kovalchuk’s agent saying Monday night that the superstar left wing has narrowed down his choices, with details yet to be finalized.
Lamoriello acknowledged yesterday that there is no regulation that would compel him to announce any handshake agreement immediately, although signed contracts are required to be filed promptly. He could be seeking to clear salary -cap room without the disadvantage of officially being over the cap.
There was no word of any additional NHL bidders yesterday. The Kings reportedly dropped out last weekend, and the Islanders’ interest never turned into a bona fide offer.
The Russian KHL remains an option for the 27-year-old two-time 52-goal scorer. He made $7.5 million last season and turned down offers of $70 million over seven years and $100 million over 12 from the Thrashers before they traded him Feb. 4 to the Devils with Anssi Salmela and a swap of seconds for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, prospect Patrice Cormier and a first-rounder.
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Perhaps on hold while the Kovalchuk situation drags on, fellow Devils free agent Mike Mottau is fielding offers from other teams but still hopes to re-sign with New Jersey, a source said.
Mottau’s return was regarded as likely when Lamoriello named Mottau among his own free-agent signing priorities two weeks ago.
The interest was mutual from the Devils’ players’ player last season, as voted by his teammates. The 32-year-old defenseman made $775,000 last season.
Devils defenseman Mark Fraser has filed for salary arbitration after making $500,000 last season.