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Updated Wednesday, July 21, 2010 10:49 am TWN, By Tom Canavan, AP



	In this March 28 file photo, New Jersey Devils' Ilya Kovalchuk, of Russia, is shown during an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia. Kovalchuk is staying with the New Jersey Devils. (AP) Enlarge Photo

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Kovalchuk agrees to US$102-million, 17-year deal with New Jersey Devils

“This was so far complex that I don't want to get into those questions,” Grossman said. “Obviously his goal is to win the Stanley Cup. If he didn't think there was an opportunity to do that, then he would not have gone there.”

Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello, and coach John MacLean didn't immediately return telephone messages seeking comment.

The team's only major loss during the offseason was defenseman Paul Martin, who signed with the Atlantic Division-rival Pittsburgh Penguins.

The 27-year-old Kovalchuk was traded to the Devils by Atlanta in February after rejecting a 12-year, US$101 million extension offered by the Thrashers.

Kovalchuk had 41 goals and 44 assists last season while earning US$7.5 million, but he posted only 10 goals and 17 assists with the Devils.

Top-line forward Zach Parise believes that Kovalchuk will be much more comfortable with the Devils next season when he is with them for the entire year.

When the trade with the Thrashers was completed, Lamoriello felt his team finally had the goal scorer it needed to make a run at a fourth Stanley Cup title since 1995.

It didn't work out that way. Kovalchuk had two goals in the postseason, but the Devils were eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in five games in the opening round. It was New Jersey's third straight exit in the first round.

Kovalchuk has won only one playoff game in his NHL career.

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