A new era is dawning for the New Jersey Devils.
Martin Brodeur’s torch is being passed to Ilya Kovalchuk, who has signed what is believed to be the longest standard player contract in NHL history: 17 years for $102 million.
It likely would never have happened if not for Hall of Fame general manager Lou Lamoriello, who identified Kovalchuk as the player he wanted, acquired him from Atlanta in early February and utilized that short end-of-season familiarity to convince Kovalchuk to remain in New Jersey, even over the lure of Los Angeles. Lamoriello treated Kovalchuk like a king, so Kovalchuk didn’t become a King.
The contract is being reviewed for CBA compliance by the NHL. The NHL has five days to render a verdict, and contrary to other reports, had not yet given approval.
Lamoriello played it patiently and skillfully throughout, getting quickly to his big offer — first reported by The Post’s Larry Brooks — then allowing Kovalchuk to explore his other options in a mature fashion.
Even after three attempts by the Kings and Kovalchuk’s visit to Los Angeles last week, it always came back to the Devils’ organization, the banners, the milestone offer, and especially Lamoriello’s personal touch, which in the end proved triumphant.
There is no doubt that Kovalchuk would not have signed with the Devils had he not spent 2½ months in New Jersey last season. Lamoriello gave the 27-year-old the chance to find out what the operation is about, and gave himself the chance to keep Kovalchuk. Lamoriello could easily have waited until July 1 to go after him, without giving up significant rent, but he would not have him under contract today.
The contract, which will take Kovalchuk to age 44, opens with two seasons at $6 million each, followed by five at $11.5 million each. It drops to $10.5 million in the eighth, $8.5 million in the ninth and $6.5 million in the 10th year. It will fall to $3.5 million in Year 11, then plummet to $750,000 in Year 12 and $550,000 for the final five.
The NHL is likely to look askance at the pay cut of more than 50 percent in Year 12, although the Devils hired the league’s top cap expert, Steve Pelligrini, to maneuver through just such troubled waters.
Combined with the acquisitions of Jason Arnott, Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder, the Devils are a far more formidable team than the one that won the Atlantic Division title last season. They had to improve to keep up with the Penguins and Capitals, but they have gained ground.
Kovalchuk is believed to have been set to sign with the Devils on July 5 before he reconsidered and re-engaged the Kings in contract talks. The Kings dropped out of the bidding twice, then hosted him a week ago in an attempt to convince him to go west. Throughout that circus, the Devils remained steadfast in their pursuit.
The first-overall NHL draft pick in 2001, taken by Atlanta, Kovalchuk has scored 52 goals in a season twice, and is regarded as the best unrestricted free agent in league history.
The Thrashers tried to sign him long-term last winter, at $70 million over seven years and $100 million over 12. When he turned down those offers, the Thrashers traded him on Feb. 4 to the Devils, who beat out competition from the Kings to rent the left wing.
Kovalchuk was dealt to New Jersey with Anssi Salmela and a swap of second-round picks for Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, prospect Patrice Cormier and a first-rounder.
He scored 27 points in 27 games with the Devils, and led them with six points in five playoff games.
Now, the Devils will have to make room for Kovalchuk under the salary cap, and they may have to move regulars to do it. Kovalchuk leads an arsenal — including Zach Parise, Patrik Elias, Brian Rolston and Dainius Zubrus — at left wing, their strongest position beside goal.
Elias has a no-movement clause, while Brian Rolston, Colin White, Jamie Langenbrunner, Arnott, Volchenkov, Brodeur and backup Johan Hedberg have no-trade clauses. Zubrus and Bryce Salvador lack no-trade clauses and could be at risk to be dealt.