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The NHL voided winger Ilya Kovalchuk’s 17-year, $102 million contract with the Devils last Monday due to salary limitations. The NHL Players Association filed a grievance against the league and a hearing was held last week where arbitrator Richard Bloch ruled in favor of the NHL. "We want to thank arbitrator Bloch for his prompt resolution of a complex issue," said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. "His ruling is consistent with the league's view of the manner in which the collective bargaining agreement should deal with contracts that circumvent the salary cap." This means Kovalchuk is a free agent again in the free market, but not far from the Devils eyes. "While we do not currently have a contract with Ilya Kovalchuk, discussions have resumed and we are hopeful that a contract ... more

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