Kovalchuk gets his bonus today and his agent will be meeting with the Kings soon
Sportsnet: Ilya Kovalchuk‘s camp will be talking with the Los Angeles Kings in the coming days. The 36-year old Kovalchuk wants to play and his contract will be more affordable real soon.
Kovalchuk is owed a $2.65 million bonus today and will only have the pro-rated $700,000 left for this season. He has another year left on his deal.
“Maybe (the Kings) terminate the contract, maybe there’s a trade market that wasn’t present earlier in the season before this bonus was paid,” Johnston said. “But Kovalchuk’s been skating with the team for more than a month. Hasn’t played, (but) he’s on the road trip in Pittsburgh and there’s hope there’ll be a chance to get him back here soon.”
Igor Eronko: Was hearing (on Friday) that Kovalchuk’s contract with the LA Kings will be terminated but he wants to stay in the NHL. He’ll get a lucrative contract offer from Omsk of the KHL.
Pierre LeBrun: Kovalchuk is traveling with the team. After getting his bonus it’s up to him if he wants to leave the Kings or not. If he leaves it would be a breach of contract and the Kings could put him on unconditional waivers.
David Pagnotta: The Kings have been trying to trade Kovalchuk for a while. He has another year left on his contract at a $6.25 million salary cap hit and $4.25 million salary. Terminating his contract is possible but a trade is preferred.
Cap Friendly: On if Kovalchuk’s contract is terminated.
“- Kovalchuk has a NMC; therefore, would not need to go through waivers first
– As a 35+ contract, his $6.25M cap hit would continue to count against LA’s cap for the remainder of this year and next year
– Kovalchuk would forfeit roughly $4.7M in salary”