Ilya Kovalchuk has opted to stay in Russia, at least for one more season.
The 34-year-old winger has been "retired" from the NHL since 2013, but has been playing in the KHL. The New Jersey Devils still own his rights, after signing him to a 15-year, $100 million contract in 2010.
The Devils lose those rights on July 1, 2018.
Kovalchuk's agent confirmed Tuesday that they're no longer pursuing an NHL return for this season. The Devils had hoped Kovalchuk would return to their roster, but there was talk he was instead interested in a sign-and-trade, perhaps to the New York Rangers.