New Jersey Devils GM says team acted in ‘good faith’ during Ilya Kovalchuk negotiations

Devils tout ‘good faith’ in Ilya Kovalchuk deal

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils say they acted in good faith during their contract negotiations with Ilya Kovalchuk.

The NHL signed off on Kovalchuk’s latest contract with the Devils on Friday, approving a revised 15-year, $100 million deal. The league reached an agreement with the NHL players’ union on a provision covering long-term contracts.

General manager Lou Lamoriello said in a statement Saturday the team is pleased with the decision and the Devils “acted in good faith throughout this entire process.”

A $102 million, 17-year contract between the Devils and Kovalchuk was rejected in July because the NHL said it circumvented the salary cap. An arbiter upheld that decision after the union filed a grievance.