'Rich man buys mansion in Beverly Hills' isn't exactly the story of the decade. In fact, it likely happens several times an hour in the luxurious area of L.A. county. That said, it does seem a little odd that Ilya Kovalchuk has decided to purchase a new home there just weeks after parting ways with the L.A. Kings.
According to the L.A. Times, the home is worth $11.2 million and "has clean lines, slabs of ribboned marble and pocketing doors that take in city and ocean views. Some 6,200 square feet of interior holds a subdued chef's kitchen with an island, a formal dining room, an office, five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. A wet bar sits in the far corner of the open-concept living room."
The 36-year-old Kovalchuk signed a three-year, $18.75-million contract with the Kings in 2018, but lasted less than halfway through the deal before being waived by the team. After leaving L.A. in December, Kovalchuk signed on for the rest of the season with the Montreal Canadiens, playing his first game with the team Monday night.
Why Kovalchuk has decided to put down roots in Beverly Hills is anyone's guess. There was plenty of speculation that the Russian would head back to his home country to play in the KHL once again after his contract with the Kings was terminated. After all, he chose to retire from the NHL and return to Russia in 2013, while still in his prime. He left $77 million and 12 years remaining on his contract at the time in order to do so. It's also a bit puzzling that Kovalchuk would decide to buy an expensive home in the area of the team that just decided he wasn't worth the money they are playing him any longer. Whatever the case, we're sure Kovalchuk, who has made close to $70 million during his time in the NHL, will enjoy sipping drinks by the pool while watching the sun go down over Beverly Hills. Who wouldn't?
Source: L.A. Times
