BREAKING: Kovalchuk Contract Ruled Invalid
In relatively stunning news (to me at least), the independent arbitrator has ruled in favor of the NHL, deeming that the Ilya Kovalchuk contract was a blatant attempt to circumvent the CBA and the salary cap. The complex 17 year $102 million deal, which was heavily front-loaded, was initially ruled as invalid by the NHL on July 20. After a grievance was filed by the NHLPA, an independent arbitrator was brought in, and ruled in favor of the NHL. Kovalchuk will remain a free agent, as the Devils will either have to rework the deal, or the Kovalchuk camp will have to field other offers.
With the current CBA ending soon, you can expect this to be an extremely hot topic for both sides. Between this and the rumor of owners wanting a much lower ($48 million) salary cap, the next set of negotiations are going to be heated to say the least.
By jurgenno88, August 9, 2010 @ 5:50 pm
can you spell LOCK OUT?!
By Jeremy, August 9, 2010 @ 6:45 pm
So, the Rangers make a move on him when?
James Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
hopefully fucking soon as fuck. dont sign staal, waive redden, and sign kovy!!! FUCKKKKKKK
Dave Reply:
August 9th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
This is what we call gratuitous use of the word fuck.
By Spozo, August 9, 2010 @ 7:15 pm
Lockout #2 here we come
By Mikeyyyy, August 9, 2010 @ 7:20 pm
The wording of the arbiters decision is very important. By stating the debbies blatantly tried to circumvent the cap, they open the door for the league to impose a 1.5m salary cap penalty om top of 1.5m in penalty fines to the Debbie owners.
All I can say is the Debbie gm deserves it.
By Bettman's Nightmare, August 9, 2010 @ 8:46 pm
I didn’t know the NHL’s Wheel of Discipline had legitimate legal standing!
Seriously, though, if that was an independent arbiter then I’m Gene and Richard Simmons’ love child.