Report: Kovalchuk ready for NHL return

Sport-Express reported the 34-year-old Kovalchuk was near a contract with the
New York Rangers, which would mark his return to the NHL for the first time
since 2013.

The terms of that agreement would need to be hashed out by league officials
because of the complex terms under which Kovalchuk left the United States and
New Jersey Devils.

Kovalchuk retired in June 2013 with 12 years and $77 million remaining on a
15-year deal signed in 2010. Because he was designated to the voluntary
retirement list, Kovalchuk's rights belong to the Devils until he turns 35.
Kovalchuk's 35th birthday is Sunday (April 15).

As of that date, Kovalchuk would likely be viewed as an unrestricted free
agent.

With St. Petersburg in the KHL this season, Kovalchuk had 33 goals and 32
assists.

The first overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft notched 417 goals and 399
assists in 866 career games in the NHL.

--Field Level Media