Kovalchuk is staying in the NHL

Ilya Kovalchuk might still be a free agent ever since he cleared unconditional waivers, but he knows what he wants. 

Kovalchuk last appearing in a game on Nov. 9, but he continued to skate and travel with the Kings before leaving the team last Monday. He is now focused on finding a new team and yes, the forward is hoping to stay in the NHL as his agent J.P. Barry begun the process of meeting with teams prior to the Holiday Freeze.

He made his choice even clearer on Friday as KHL insider Igor Erenko confirmed that Kovy did not travel to Russia and has not signed with any team in his home country. 

The deadline has now past, which means he is staying in the NHL and looking to be part of a team this season. 

The 36-year-old is reportedly willing to play on a minimum salary to join a Stanley Cup contender. As you know on Christmas, Kovy met with Alexander Ovechkin for drinks which got the rumour mill heated up. 

Many wonder where Kovalchuk will end up to continue his career in the NHL this season. 

Kovalchuk received the final signing bonus in his contract on Dec. 15 - for $2.65 million - and has only a salary of $700,000 remaining for this season. He will, however, continue to count against the Kings’ salary cap at a hit of $6.25 million through next season, after inking a three-year, $18.75 million contract with the Kings in 2018.

He collected just three goals and nine points in 17 games with the Kings this season. The veteran forward had 16 goals and 34 points in 64 games last season, his first since returning to the NHL after five years in the KHL. In a total of 897 career games, Kovalchuk has 436 goals and 859 points in the NHL.