Kovalchuk Retires...What The What?

After all the craziness and excitement we've seen this offseason comes the most shocking news so far: Ilya Kovalchuk has retired from the NHL. 

Controversy has followed Kovalchuk in recent years, in regards to the massive, cap-circumventing contract he signed with the Devils back in 2010. Yet here we are, at the end of the Kovalchuk era. 

Here's the full statement from the Devil's GM Lou Lamoriello:

“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.”

And the statement from Kovalchuk:

“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.”

This is just complete insanity. Kovalchuk has been one of the most dynamic snipers in the game for over a decade. He's hit the 30 goal plateau nine times in his career, including two seasons of 52 goals. His career totals are 417 goals and 816 points in 816 games. But the truly shocking part is that the 30 year old Kovalchuk would abandon the final 12 years and $77 million dollars owed to him on his contract. The same contract that the NHL deemed illegal and forced the Devils to give up a first round pick next year as compensation. A first round pick, might I add, that Kovy won't even be around to see. 

Not to mention how incredibly screwed the New Jersey Devils are in all this. They just lost one of the most dangerous offensive threats the team has ever had, one whom they broke the bank and even NHL regulations to keep on the team. For all that, Kovalchuck gave them four years of relatively uninspired play and then bolted for Russia as soon as he got homesick. Oh, and they'll also have to pay $250 thousand a year for the next 12 years against the salary cap. At least they won't have to pay the full value of the $77 million, which is one small consolation when compared to losing their franchise winger. 

To be clear, this wasn't a buyout, this was a mutual decision by club and player to terminate the contract so he can go home. But it looks like the Devils didn't have much say in the matter anyways. 

Update: Many assumed that with Kovalchuk's NHL contract out of the way that he would pursue a job in the KHL. Early rumor indicates that he will play for SKA St. Petersburg next season and could make a salary between 15-20 million per year.