In relatively stunning news (to me at least), the independent arbitrator has ruled in favor of the NHL, deeming that the Ilya Kovalchuk contract was a blatant attempt to circumvent the CBA and the salary cap. The complex 17 year $102 million deal, which was heavily front-loaded, was initially ruled as invalid by the NHL on July 20. After a grievance was filed by the NHLPA, an independent arbitrator was brought in, and ruled in favor of the NHL. Kovalchuk will remain a free agent, as the Devils will either have to rework the deal, or the Kovalchuk camp will have to field other offers.

With the current CBA ending soon, you can expect this to be an extremely hot topic for both sides. Between this and the rumor of owners wanting a much lower ($48 million) salary cap, the next set of negotiations are going to be heated to say the least.

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