I always love the story where a retired athlete realizes he’s not done and attempts a comeback. I only hope that’s what happens with Ilya Kovalchuk, who stunned the hockey world by announcing his retirement at the age of 30. When it was announced on WFAN by update man John Minko, I thought I was hearing things. It had to be a joke. I immediately went to Twitter to see if it were true. To my amazement, it really was. From an official New Jersey Devils press release on their website:

“This decision was something I have thought about for a long time going back to the lockout and spending the year in Russia. Though I decided to return this past season, Lou was aware of my desire to go back home and have my family there with me. The most difficult thing for me is to leave the New Jersey Devils, a great organization that I have a lot of respect for, and our fans that have been great to me.”-Ilya Kovalchuk, July 11, 2013

If it’s due to returning home to play in the KHL during the lockout which certainly seems to be the case, I can’t imagine the reaction from Devil fans. New York Puck contributor Hasan Allahverdi must be in shock. I’d hate to see what his thoughts are. But I think we’re gonna see a rant. Don’t forget all the rumors about Kovalchuk when the work stoppage ended. It sounded like he wanted to stay in Russia rather than return. Family is important in making such a life changing decision. These athletes sacrifice a great deal. We can’t pretend to know what they’re thinking. I just know it’s a sad day for hockey fans. Regardless of who you root for, losing an exciting star of Kovalchuk’s stature sucks. I’m going to miss his breathtaking rushes and rocket shot and deadly one-timer.

It doesn’t seem right. Kovalchuk has 12 years left on an 15-year $100 million contract he signed with the Devils. That’s $77 million left on the table. Team President and GM Lou Lamoriello handled it well. The man is all class even though you know it really hurts. 

“After many conversations with Ilya over the past year on his desire to retire from the National Hockey League, Ilya’s decision became official today. On behalf of the entire organization, I wish Ilya and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”

After being taken by the Thrashers first overall in 2001, Kovalchuk played 11 seasons in the NHL. He finishes with 417 goals and 399 assists totaling 816 points in 816 games. Exactly a point-per-game for his career. He’s a three-time All-Star who was named to the First All-Star Team in ’11-12 after tallying 37 goals and 46 assists for 83 points in his second full season with the Devils. The former ’03-04 Rocket Richard winner (41 goals) spent his first eight years with Atlanta. In his ninth season with the Thrashers, he turned down an extension forcing the club to trade him. On Feb. 4, 2010, the Devils acquired Kovalchuk as part of a five player deal involving draft picks with Atlanta receiving a first round pick in 2010 and the teams exchanging second rounders. 

The move for Kovalchuk was one of Lamoriello’s ballsiest because he went for a player who wasn’t seen as a classic Devil due to defensive deficiencies. Under Pete DeBoer, he showed a willingness to win shifting from left wing to the right side becoming a better player. The result was 37 goals and 83 points with 10 power play goals, 29 power play points, three shorthanded goals and five game-winners. During the Devils’ run to the Cup Final, he played through injury finishing with eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 23 games. Had he been healthy, who knows if they would’ve defeated the Kings. It couldn’t have hurt. 

It’s amazing to think that this really could be it for Kovalchuk. During the lockout, he returned home and played for SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL posting 18 goals and 24 assists in 36 contests. In 37 games with the Devils, he had 11 goals and 20 helpers before missing 11 games due to a separated shoulder. A bizarre injury in which he lost his footing and fell awkwardly into the boards. It would be an odd way to bow out. 

There’s really not much more to say. Even if it’s to be closer to home with his family, it’s still mystifying. What the Devils do after losing their best player a year after seeing Zach Parise go home remains to be seen. You ain’t seen nothing yet.