All eyes are on Ilya, too.
Though not a free agent, Ilya Kovalchuk has taken one step closer to returning to the NHL after spending the previous four seasons playing in his native Russia.
The start of the league’s new business year at noon Saturday places the Devils in a position to sign Kovalchuk to have him either stay in New Jersey or – more likely – trade him to another team. The Devils own the rights to the 2001 No. 1 draft pick after Kovalchuk left the team to play in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Since expressing an intention to return to North America in May, Kovalchuk has had the Devils’ permission to meet with teams and negotiate the framework of a contract.