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Ilya Kovalchuk is officially a member of SKA St. Petersburg. The former Devil reached agreement on a four-year contract. It’s reported that he’ll earn $10 million per season. That would mean the 30-year old Russian returns home to star in the KHL until he turns 35. One wonders if he’ll then return to the NHL in 2018. According to NY Post’s Larry Brooks, he won’t be able to return sooner without permission from the entire league and full consent from the Devils.

Ilya Kovalchuk will be removed from the “voluntary retired list” upon reaching his 35th birthday on April 15, 2018, and thereby would become an unrestricted free agent if the winger were to pursue a return to the NHL for the 2018-19 season.

If Kovalchuk plays out the next four years with SKA, he then could comeback to the NHL as a UFA. The worst case scenario for the Devils. Although by that point, who knows what kind of player he’ll be. No one can predict the future. Jaromir Jagr is older and no longer can take the toll of a full season. He struggled to perform in the playoffs failing to score a goal for only the second time in his career. By no means are we saying Kovalchuk will be almost done if he ever returns. However, it all remains speculative. For now, he seems happy to be able to play in front of family and Russian fans.

Maybe it really isn’t all about the money. But rather a player who enjoyed his stay so much during the lockout that it was the only decision he could make. Based on quotes from both Kovalchuk and Devils President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello, it might be best for both sides. Though New Jersey won’t be able to replace their former scorer easily, they’ll be able to construct a team that wants to play in the best league in the world. The Devils have a bright future with prospects Stefan Matteau, Jon Merrill, Eric Gelinas, Damon Severson, Alexander Urbom, Reid Boucher and Blake Pietila. Don’t forget Swedish first round trio Adam Larsson, Jacob Josefson and Mattias Tedenby.

In the first of a series over on our original Battle Of NY server, I took a closer look at Boucher, who exploded in his second year with the Sarnia Sting shattering Steven Stamkos’ goal scoring record with 62. The 2012 former fourth rounder (99th overall) is already signed and should start the season with Albany. The 19-year old American prospect could be the kind of offensive player the club is looking towards in the future.

The Devils should still be competitive with Marty Brodeur and Cory Schneider manning the net along with proven vets Patrik Elias, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus, Ryan Carter, Steve Bernier, Stephen Gionta, Andy Greene, Bryce Salvador, Marek Zidlicky, Mark Fayne and Anton Volchenkov. Along with free agent additions Ryane Clowe, Michael Ryder and Rotislav Olesz, it’ll be more about the team concept. However, it’s a great opportunity for kids to step up.