Ilya Kovalchuk traded to New Jersey Devils (Photo © AP Photo)
Ilya Kovalchuk has been traded to the New Jersey Devils. It’s rumored that before the trade the former Atlanta Thrashers captain, one of the NHL top snipers, turned down a 12-year offer.
Kovalchuk costed the Devils defenseman Johnny Oduya, forward Nicklas Bergfors, prospect Patrice Cormier and the Devils’ 2010 first round pick.
“New Jersey is a good team and it’s a great chance to go far in the playoffs,” Kovalchuk said to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s sad at the same time because now – I can say it – I’ve been a Thrasher for eight years. I’m appreciative of everything, the organization and the fans.”
Kovalchuk’s first match as a New Jersey Devil will be on Friday night against Toronto. His first match against Atlanta is scheduled for April 6th. “That’s going to be an interesting game” – admitted Kovalchuk while speaking to WJLA-TV in Washington.