NHL players union responds to league’s rejection of Ilya Kovalchuk-New Jersey Devils contract

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The National Hockey League Players’ Assn. released the following statement Wednesday regarding the rejection of Ilya Kovalchuk’s contract with the New Jersey Devils by the National Hockey League:

‘The NHLPA is currently analyzing the basis upon which the NHL rejected the contract between the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk. We are evaluating the options available to us under the terms established in the CBA. The NHLPA will have no further comment at this time.’ The statement was released by Jonathan Weatherdon, NHLPA spokesman.

National Hockey League Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly issued the following statement on Wednesday regarding the free-agent contract forward Kovalchuk signed with the Devils: ‘The contract has been rejected by the league as a circumvention of the collective bargaining agreement. Under the CBA, the contract rejection triggers a number of possible next steps that may be elected by any or each of the NHLPA, the player and/or the club. In the interim, the player is not entitled to play under the contract, nor is he entitled to any of the rights and benefits that are provided for thereunder. The league will have no further comment on this matter pending further developments.’