The court recognized the contract of Ilya Kovalchuk illegal

The independent arbitration judge Richard Blok, who considered the case of the contract of Russian striker Ilya Kovalchuk with New Jersey, decided in favor of the NHL, reports Sportbox.ru .

Earlier, the League refused to ratify the long -term agreement of Kovalchuk with Devilz , considering this contract violating the regulations.

Recall that the Russian planned to perform in New Jersey over the next 17 years (up to the age of 44), for which he was supposed to receive $ 102 million. The NHL considered that this agreement does not comply with the adopted provisions on the ceiling of salaries and violates the terms of the collective agreement. After that, the Association of NHL players filed a complaint with arbitration.

“We respected the decision of the Blok arbitrator on the issue of Kovalchuk’s contract,” said the general manager of New Jersey Lu Lamorerello. - At present, we resume negotiations with Ilya and hope that we will be able to conclude a new contract that will comply with the principles set forth by the block and will receive approval from the NHL.

Recall that the services of a 28-year-old striker are also interested in Los Angeles, who is ready to offer Kovalchuk a contract for 15 years with a salary of $ 80 million and St. Petersburg.

For eight seasons spent in the NHL, Kovalchuk scored 338 goals and scored 642 points in 621 matches.