NHL rules may turn off KHL superstar from returning to North America.

NHL rules may be complicating matters.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
NHL rules may turn off KHL superstar from returning to North America.

There have been rumors for months about a potential return to the National Hockey League for Russian superstar Ilya Kovalchuk but they have really picked up steam in the past few days, but that may be premature.

Russian hockey reporter Aivis Kalnins is now reporting that Kovalchuk has not yet "seriously considered" a potential return to North America despite the fact that he would like to. According to Kalnins, Kovalchuk would like to return however his belief that it won't be easy may be playing a role.

Earlier in the week TSN insider Bob McKenzie laid out some of the potential hurdles facing Kovalchuk and at the end of the day it sounds like a sign and trade is the only truly realistic option if Kovalchuk does intend to return. 

Because Kovalchuk voluntarily retired, the Devils continue to control his rights and could effectively block him from signing with any other team in the league. However should Kovalchuk work out a deal with the Devils, they would then be free to turn around and flip him to another team for players and/or assets. 

No word yet on what teams Kovalchuk would be interested in joining should he indeed decide to return.

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