Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: According to @plysenkov and their mutual sources, the league is looking for a 13 year contract for Kovalchuk.
Craig Custance via twitter: KHL president Alexander Medvedev said that he received a call from Jay Grossman, Kovalchuk’s agent, and he remains hopeful that the KHL is still an option.
James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Medvedev is still hopeful that his club, SKA St. Petersberg can sign Kovalchuk. “Ilya knows that our proposal is still on the table,” Medvedev said. “Actually, I got a call from his agent. I will call (him back) after I finishing the discussion with you.” Gary Bettman said yesterday that the NHL did not reject a second contract between the Devils and Kovalchuk (reports were that the ‘framework’ had been rejected). Bill Daly said he thinks that Kovalchuk will stay but league will stand by their rejection of the contract even if Kovalchuk leaves for Russia.
David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News: The San Jose Sharks, and at least 2 other teams were unwilling to offer Willie Mitchell a multi-year deal, money wasn’t the issue. A front-office source says the Sharks won’t be bringing back Owen Nolan. Sources also tell Pollack that the team isn’t interested in Antti Niemi.
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: With the Canucks over the salary cap by around $3 million, they couldn’t offer Mitchell a lot. They were offered him a one-year deal in the $1.8-$2 million range.
James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Sources are saying that Donald Fehr will be taking over as the executive director of the NHLPA. Fehr stepped down from the MLBPA last year, and has been link to the NHLPA for months. The NHL 30 player reps will put it to a vote, which may not be completed until after the season starts.
