Per
Tom Gulitti @TGfireandice
Kovalchuk: “This decision was something I have thought about for a long time going back to the lockout and spending the year in Russia..."
Kovalchuk cont: "Though I decided to return this past season, Lou was aware of my desire to go back home and have my family there with me."
Kovalchuk: "The most difficult thing for me is to leave the New Jersey Devils, a great organization that I have a lot of respect for....:
Kovalchuk cont: "...., and our fans that have been great to me.”