Ilya Kovalchuk Announces Retirement From NHL
As per Tom Gulitti – “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.”
Tough break for Devils’ fans. Especially since he only had only 12 years left in his 15-year/$100 million deal. He couldn’t just stick it out a little longer and honor the rest of his contract? Basically quitting at the finish line. As a Rangers fan, my initial reaction is to point & laugh at how a division rival’s only offensive threat in front of a 60 year-old goalie just bolted because he’s homesick. Truth be told, though, that’s 12 years/$77 million that New Jersey takes off their books. So, yeah, they’ll be awful this year. He’s a huge loss & not easily replaceable – but they’re in shape for a quick rebuild. As for Kovalchuk, I always liked him as a player. One of the nastiest one-timers in the game. He’ll pack his shit up for Russia and leave behind a career of 417 goals at just 30 years old. Pretty crazy. Only a matter of time before he’s arguing with his nagging wife & chasing his snot-nosed kids around their igloo regretting the fuck out of this decision..
KFC Editor’s Note: Poor Gumdrop. That fat bastard.
@KFCBarstool already on my way to the nearest construction site… Ill be the sad sack hanging from a crane in my Kovy jersey #kovy #theend
— Gumdrop (@GumdropNJD) July 11, 2013
@GumdropNJD @KFCBarstool Head Line tomorrow in the Newark Star Ledger. "Crane Topples in Suicide Attempt"
— Okie (@ih8nyy) July 11, 2013