After an eventful NHL Draft, more sudden and shocking news rattled the NHL. Star winger of the New Jersey Devils Ilya Kovalchuk said Thursday that he is retiring from the NHL at the age of 30. The decision means he is leaving a $77 million salary on the table. While fans may be stunned by this news, general manager Lou Lamoriello said he and Kovalchuk spoke "many times" over the years regarding his desire to leave the NHL, CBS Sports reported.
"After many conversations with Ilya over the past year on his desire to retire from the National Hockey League, Ilya's decision became official today," Lamoriello said. "On behalf of the entire organization, I wish Ilya and his family all the best in their future endeavors."
Kovalchuk signed a 15-year contract with the Devils in 2010, which would have brought him $100 million by the time it ran out. He played in the NHL for 11 years, with the last four spent with the Devils. He previously played for the Atlanta Thrashers. He leaves with a tremendous legacy with 417 goals and 339 assists, USA Today reported. He played his last Stanley Cup final in 2012 when the Devils faced the Los Angeles Kings, ultimately losing the series in six games. Kovalchuk said in a brief statement to the NHL that his decision was finalized by his desire to return to Russia.
"This decision was something I have thought about for a long time going back to the lockout and spending the year in Russia," Kovalchuk wrote. "Though I decided to return this past season, Lou [Lamoriello] was aware of my desire to go back home and have my family there with me. The most difficult thing for me is to leave the New Jersey Devils, a great organization that I have a lot of respect for, and our fans that have been great to me."
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