Ilya Kovalchuk's time with the L.A. Kings is over. The team has put the Russian sniper on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.
The move comes one day after Kovalchuk received $2.65 million in bonuses from the Kings. That means his remaining salary for the season is the league-minimum of $700,000. After 24 hours on waivers, Kovalchuk will be free to sign wherever he wants. That includes with another NHL team or a return to the KHL. It has been reported that Avangard Omsk has already made him a lucrative offer but he would rather stay in North America for now if another team will take him.
This is Kovalchuk's second season with the Kings since signing a three-year, $18.75-million contract with the club in 2018 following five years in the KHL. Because Kovalchuk was 35 at the time of the signing, his $6.25-million cap hit stays on L.A.'s books regardless of what happens.
Kovalchuk has three goals and nine points in 17 games this season but hasn't played since November 9th. He's been a healthy scratch since then.
