In an unsurprising move, Ilya Kovalchuk has decided to return to Russia and play in the KHL. His agent confirmed that the 35-year-old will return to the motherland and not be joining the Columbus Blue Jackets. The New Jersey Devils were unable to work out a deal and now will have nothing to show for Kovalchuk.
The Columbus Blue Jackets were actively pursing the stud scorer and rumors really started to heat up after trading for Artemi Panarin. The Breadman and Kovalchuk have a Russian connection that sent CBJ land into full on speculation mode.