New Jersey Devils star forward Ilya Kovalchuk is scheduled to compete in the Kontinental Hockey League All-Star Game on Jan. 13 in Chelyabinsk, Russia.
The KHL released a revised version of their all-star squads on Wednesday and Kovalchuk was the only NHLer listed. During the NHL lockout Kovalchuk has been playing with SKA St. Petersburg and in 35 games has registered 18 goals and 41 points.
KHL has published the new, revised All Star lineups. None of the NHLers are on them. Except Ilya Kovalchuk. #NJDevils
— Slava Malamud (@SlavaMalamud) January 9, 2013
Yes, Kovalchuk is on the All-Star lineup in the KHL. 100% confirmed #NJDevils
— Slava Malamud (@SlavaMalamud) January 9, 2013
Although most NHLers who were playing in the KHL during the lockout — including stars like Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk — have begun returning to North America, Kovalchuk is still in Russia and recently told Sport Express he is in no hurry to return.
According to Pavel Lysenkov of Sovietsky Sport, KHL vice-president of hockey operations Vladimir Shalaev said until the CBA is officially signed Kovalchuk has no employment relationship with the NHL.
Just spoke with one of KHL bosses Vladimir Shalaev. He explained me the situation with Kovalchuk…
— Pavel Lysenkov (@plysenkov) January 9, 2013
Shalaev: “The CBA will not be signed until Sunday. So Kovalchuk no employment relationship with the NHL, and he is going to Chelyabinsk”.
— Pavel Lysenkov (@plysenkov) January 9, 2013
Shalaev: “We are disappointed that all the other NHL stars were quick to go to North America”.
— Pavel Lysenkov (@plysenkov) January 9, 2013
And I don’t understand why Ovechkin, Malkin, Datsyuk are not going to Chelyabinsk. It’s wonderful possibility to say Thanks to Russian fans.
— Pavel Lysenkov (@plysenkov) January 9, 2013
On Tuesday, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said that the KHL reaffirmed its intention to honour an agreement with the NHL regarding contracts.
“They would not permit a player who is under a valid and binding NHL SPC (to) continue to play in the KHL once the lockout is officially lifted,” Daly told The Associated Press. “They have confirmed their intention to honour this agreement to us.”
Still, ever since the NHL and NHLPA came to a tentative agreement for a new CBA early Sunday, there have been rumours of Kovalchuk wanting to remain in Russia.
Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello says he isn’t worried about Kovalchuk and told AP, “I have no knowledge of anything other than him coming back (to the NHL).”
Upadte:
Pavel Datsyuk tells @plysenkov he will play in KHL All-Star game. #DRW
— Chris Nichols (@Nichols_NHLPool) January 9, 2013
