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The NHL softened it's punishment against the Devils, They will get the 30th pick in the 2014 draft.
NEW YORK -- The New Jersey Devils won't have to forfeit a first-round pick after all for attempting to circumvent the salary cap by signingIlya Kovalchuk to a 17-year deal in 2010, the NHL announced Thursday.
The league originally docked the club a first-round pick in either 2011, 2012, 2013 or 2014 along with a third-rounder in 2011 and US$3 million for trying to give the Russian star a contract that lasted until his mid-40s just to even out the cap hit.
Instead, the Devils will be given the 30th pick in the draft and thus not eligible for thelottery if they don't make the playoffs. The pick cannot be traded.
New Jersey's fine was also reduced, the league announced. TSN, which first reported the story, said the team was getting back US$1.5 million.
Kovalchuk leaving for the KHL last summer appeared to be the reason for the change.
The league originally docked the club a first-round pick in either 2011, 2012, 2013 or 2014 along with a third-rounder in 2011 and US$3 million for trying to give the Russian star a contract that lasted until his mid-40s just to even out the cap hit.
Instead, the Devils will be given the 30th pick in the draft and thus not eligible for the
New Jersey's fine was also reduced, the league announced. TSN, which first reported the story, said the team was getting back US$1.5 million.
Kovalchuk leaving for the KHL last summer appeared to be the reason for the change.
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