The Devils are more than one player under Hall Of Fame general manager Lou Lamoriello.

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello spoke to reporters following Ilya Kovalchuk’s retirement from the NHL. According to SovSport’s Pavel Lysenkov, the 30-year old Russian sniper will sign with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League tomorrow. He’s expected to get $20 million a season. An insane amount tax free to return home where he played during the lockout.

Rumors were strong that he wanted to stay home after captaining SKA. The appeal of having family and friends along with fans factored into the decision. Lamoriello indicated during a conference call to the media that he’d known for a while that Kovalchuk could leave. However, it was never brought up during the season. The Russian star informed the club and signed the voluntary retirement papers today, freeing him up from the remaining 12 years of a 15-year, $100 million contract. He leaves $77 million on the table to return to play in the KHL where he’ll earn even more money.

When asked about the timing, Lamoriello didn’t criticize Kovalchuk taking the high road. Many Devils fans won’t be as forgiving with the team losing their best player following the departures of Zach Parise and David Clarkson in consecutive years. It altered plans with the Devils now having more cap space to sign free agents while focusing on re-signing Adam Henrique and Jacob Josefson. They save $6.67 million. Instead of having a shade over $4 million, Lamoriello has $10.6 million to work with to put the best team he can out for 2013-14. He re-signed Patrik Elias, Dainius Zubrus and Marek Zidlicky in addition to dealing for Cory Schneider and signing free agents Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder while also taking a flyer on Rotislav Olesz.

With Martin Brodeur still the start with Schneider more than capable of carrying the load, the Devils can still field a competitive roster. A core that includes Travis Zajac, Andy Greene, Adam Larsson, Bryce Salvador, Ryan Carter and Steve Bernier have enough experience. Stephen Gionta ($562,500) is signed for 2013-14. More will be expected from Zajac and Henrique once he re-signs and Josefson’s development will prove vital. Andrei Loktionov showed flashes after being acquired from the Kings but will be minus Kovalchuk. The addition of Ryder should help scoring. Clowe must stay healthy and Elias will again be expected to lead offensively.

2012 top pick Stefan Matteau debuted this year recording his first NHL goal and two assists in 17 games. Only 19, the Devils will be patient. They could take a long look at top prospect Reid Boucher. The scoring forward ripped it up with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League scoring 62 goals in 68 games. He finished with 95 points and was signed. In 11 games with Albany, he posted three goals and two assists. He’ll turn 20 on September 8.

One thing about the Devils. Never count them out. As long as Lamoriello controls the reigns, they shouldn’t be taken lightly.