Ilya Kovalchuk, Devils A Done Deal: NHL Sniper To Stay In New Jersey

Ilya Kovalchuk, Devils A Done Deal: NHL Sniper Decides To Stay With New Jersey

Ilya Kovalchuk has decided to stay with the New Jersey Devils, the team that acquired him prior to the trade deadline last season, the Devils Twitter feed announced today.

His decision wasn't quite made LeBron James-style, but the veteran NHL sniper was clearly the biggest prize this offseason. He has scored more than 40 goals each of the last six seasons.

There is no word yet on terms of the deal and the Devils said a press conference about the announcement will be held Tuesday.

New Jersey suffered a disappointing first-round playoff exit in 2010, losing four games to one to Philadelphia. At 38, the door is closing on goaltender Martin Brodeur's chances for another Stanley Cup and the organization is making a big push.

Shortly after 11 a.m. Eastern Time today, Kovalchuk's agent Jay Grossman tweeted, "Ilya Kovalchuk will make his decision today (for sure, this time!)."

Kovalchuk has been pondering his options, including the Los Angeles Kings, since unrestricted free agency opened for the NHL on July 1.

Good move for Kovalchuk? How about for the Devils? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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