[Rumour] With the Ruble crumbling, Kovalchuk is considering a return to the NHL

[neo45]

He must not want to retire in Russia then. Which begs the question, did his agent not hedge against the Ruble? Probably cost Kovy over 10 million if he didn't

[Tron_fdc]

Put him back in the draft, apply EL contract rules to him.

I'm only half kidding.

There needs to be some thought put into this if he wants to come back. There was something nefarious on both sides happening, that can't be overlooked.

[icecube]

I hope he's welcomed back. One of the most entertaining and dominant players I've ever had the pleasure of watching. I don't get people who want him snubbed. It's childish.

If he's not allowed back it will be for a better reason than pure spite.

[Gord Wappel]

I'm sure Russian Caviar is at a discount right now too.
Agent hedging rubles ? right.
Does anyone know what contract he got to go back to russia - I bet its defaulted in payment
If the guys lucky he forgot a few million in his $US bank account and he can date even more beautiful ruthless unscrupulous puck bunnies than he was planning to.
but I hope the flames don't bid for him.

[Regular_John]

Between the 17 year contract and his "retirement" I don't see him being welcomed back into the league with open arms.

Giving the way CBA negotiations went with the players association, I just don't see 30 owners kicking back and saying "oh yeah? That player who used the CBA and his contract as a doormat for the maximum profit? Yeah let play, no issues there."

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by icecube

I hope he's welcomed back. One of the most entertaining and dominant players I've ever had the pleasure of watching. I don't get people who want him snubbed. It's childish.

If he's not allowed back it will be for a better reason than pure spite.

Agreed. I just can't fault someone for wanting to play professionally in his home country if given the opportunity.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

Agreed. I just can't fault someone for wanting to play professionally in his home country if given the opportunity.

Sure, agreed.

But when a guy quits on his team and doesn't honour his contract, you close the door behind him.

[Jacks]

He shouldn't be allowed back and it has nothing to do with spite. They should not set the precedent that a player can sign his retirement papers to void his contract and then come back with a new contract. If he does come back he should have to honor his old contract, seeing as New Jersey would want nothing to do with that I say tough luck Kovy.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

Agreed. I just can't fault someone for wanting to play professionally in his home country if given the opportunity.

He was under contract and he bailed. He may have done the Devils a favour, but its behavior that requires discouraging.

[Darkwater]

Shouldn't be allowed back in. You chose your path, Ilya.

[StrykerSteve]

Should not be permitted, IMO. Would set a bad loophole precedent for future contracts.

[afc wimbledon]

They should let him back but make him play in Edmonton for the rest of his years, that's the nhl equivalent of labouring in the salt mines.

[Superfraggle]

They'll let him back. The NHL wants to have all the best players in the world. Bringing Kovalchuk back would be a big blow to the KHL and help the NHL attract the best young Russians to play in the top league available.

[combustiblefuel]

Keep him banned to Siberia.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by dino7c

why would all other teams approve him coming back? surely somebody would step up and prevent a rival from aquiring him

Could they send him to Vegas?

[Buster]

Do KHL players actually get paid in Rubles?

That would be super stupid of them.

And I would doubt very much that any of their cash money would be held in russian banks. Probably in Cyprus or Switzerland.