The rumors have been floating out of Russia recently that former Devil Ilya Kovalchuk might want to return to the NHL after his abrupt retirement from the league in July 2013. Kovalchuk, now 32 years old, left $77 million of his $100 million contract from New Jersey on the table when he left to go play for his native SKA St. Petersburg.
Reports say Kovalchuk had been stripped of his captaincy and was benched during a recent playoff series. The health of the KHL is in question, as well, as a league run by oligarchs is likely hurt by the drop in oil prices.
First-year Devils general manager Ray Shero was asked about the situation on a conference call Monday, and unequivocally said he has not heard from Kovalchuk’s camp.
Shero added all questions should be directed toward NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, who recently told reporters at the Stadium Series game in Denver that “it’s a complicated situation.”
“What I would say is, having signed his voluntary retired list form and being on our list, that gives the Devils preferential rights to his NHL [rights],” Daly had said.
Shero referenced that quote, and seconded the sentiment.
“I think that’s question really for the league,” Shero said. “I think Bill Daly said something a couple days ago. ‘If and when [Kovalchuk] decides he wants to come back to the NHL, … I think the Devils will have preferential treatment if that comes.’ ”
Shero was active before the 3 p.m. trade deadline, shipping leading scorer Lee Stempniak to the Bruins in exchange for a fourth-round pick this year and a second-round pick next year. Stempniak came to the Devils this offseason on a professional tryout and excelled, notching 16 goals and 41 points in 63 games.
“If we were in a playoff spot, I don’t think I would’ve done that,” Shero said.
This is the ninth team for the 33-year-old Stempniak since he left Dartmouth in 2005-06. He was traded by the Rangers to the Jets at last season’s trade deadline.
The Devils also traded 24-year-old defenseman Eric Gelinas to the Avalanche in exchange for a third-round draft pick. Gelinas had been in and out of the lineup all year, and Shero had a sit-down with him in mid-January, explaining if he could help his situation by moving him, he would.
They also traded Stefan Matteau — son of former Ranger Stephane Matteau — to the Canadiens in exchange for right-wing Devante Smith-Pelly.
Finally, they claimed left-handed defenseman David Warsofsky off waivers from the Penguins.
The Islanders made just a minor move, sending a third-round pick this year to the Senators in exchange for forward Shane Prince and a seventh-round pick. Prince, 23, played 42 games for the Senators this season, notching three goals and 12 points.
The native of Rochester, N.Y., is going to be a restricted free agent after the season ends.
They also traded minor-league forward Taylor Beck to the Avalanche for forward Marc-Andre Cliche.