Ilya Kovalchuk (seen here with Vladimir Tarashenko) participated in SKA’s KHL game Tuesday, leaving speculation that he might not return to the Devils for the abbreviated 2013 season.

While most players are preparing for the start of training camp, Ilya Kovalchuk remains in Russia. He took part in SKA’s KHL match versus AK Bars earlier today. A game SKA lost 3-1. Kovalchuk recorded an assist on his team’s lone tally. With 41 points (18-23-41) in 35 games, he ranks fourth in KHL scoring with a plus-21 rating.

The bigger question is what’s happening with the highest paid New Jersey Devil. Is he going to return? Kovalchuk had an interesting comment regarding the new CBA which is expected to be ratified this Saturday so NHL camps can open Sunday.

“I will need to read the new agreement,” Kovalchuk said to Russian daily Sport Express reporter Slava Malamud.

The Devil sniper has 13 years and $80 million left on a 15-year $100 million contract he signed a couple of summers ago. The KHL is supposed to honor any existing contracts in other leagues per their agreement with the NHL. That should spell the end for Kovalchuk back home.

“We have no reason to believe the KHL will let them play,” NHL Deputy commissioner Bill Daly expressed to TSN’s Darren Dreger . “It would be inconsistent with our agreement with them.”

Is Kovalchuk considering staying in Russia? He wouldn’t be the first player. Islander defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky wants to finish the ’12-13 season in the Kontinental Hockey League with Slovan Bratislava, who play back home in Slovakia.

“I have decided to stay and continue my career in the KHL for the remainder of the 2012-13 season. I am thankful to the New York Islanders for being so good to me. My decision not to play in the NHL is due to family and personal reasons. I have made no decisions on next season. My focus now is on HC Slovan Bratislava, and enjoying my family in my home country.”

The problem for Visnovsky is that once the new CBA is ratified, he’s not allowed to participate in any more KHL games. His agent Neil Sheehy told Newsday’s Arthur Staple yesterday this has nothing to do with the 36-year old veteran defenseman holding any grudge against the Islanders, who acquired him at the last NHL Draft in June from Anaheim for a second round pick. Visnovsky filed a grievance claiming Anaheim violated a no-trade clause he originally had with Edmonton. Apparently, that wasn’t the case making him an Islander.

If a player wants to stay home due to family, maybe the NHL should make a special exception. The problem is he did sign a contract and is supposed to honor it. The same for Kovalchuk, who’s much more vital to the Devils now that Zach Parise is with Minnesota. Take him out of their lineup and they’re probably a lottery team. Especially with Adam Henrique expected to miss the first couple of weeks.

It is a bit perplexing that Kovalchuk wouldn’t want to return to a team he helped get to the Stanley Cup Final. They were so close. Martin Brodeur’s back for two more years. Kovalchuk matured as a player last year, becoming more of a team player which benefited the Devils. Now, his status remains questionable. But for how long?