Kovalchuk talking to NHL teams: report

Ilya Kovalchuk is talking to NHL teams prior to an anticipated return next season, TSN reported Wednesday.

The forward, who last played in the NHL for the New Jersey Devils in 2012-13, has signed with CAA Hockey and agent JP Barry, Darren Dreger reported.
Kovalchuk, who turned 35 on April 15, can sign with any NHL team. He led the Kontinental Hockey League this season with 63 points (31 goals, 32 assists) in 53 games for SKA St. Petersburg.
The reports did not identify which teams Kovalchuk is talking to. He reportedly cannot sign a contract until July 1 but can agree to one before then.

Kovalchuk voluntarily retired from the NHL on July 11, 2013, with 12 years and $77 million remaining on a 15-year, $100 million contract he signed with New Jersey on Sept. 3, 2010. He signed a four-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg on July 15, 2013.
When Kovalchuk left the NHL, his contract was terminated and he was placed on the voluntary retirement list. That allowed the Devils to maintain his NHL rights until he turned 35. Prior to then, if Kovalchuk wanted to sign with another team he would have needed approval from all 31 NHL teams.
The Devils before this NHL season said no team made them a trade offer in an attempt to sign Kovalchuk, who had 816 points (417 goals, 399 assists) in 816 NHL games with the Devils and Atlanta Thrashers.