With Ilya Kovalchuk himself saying “I really like it” here, at least one of his new Devils teammates wouldn’t be surprised if he signed to stay with the team after this season.
Fellow Russian Danius Zubrus told NJ.com “I wouldn’t be shocked if he liked it enough to stay here.”
According to writer Rich Chere, Zubrus also said, ““I won’t say he wanted a change in his life, but he wants to win. Pretty simple. I’ve talked to him about this. He doesn’t say anything bad about Atlanta.
“I know so far he likes it here. I think he views those legends of the Devils being strictly a defensive team and Jacques Lemaire being just a defensive coach as being a bit of a myth.”
Kovalchuk was acquired in a trade from the Thrashers, who decided they could not meet contract demands to keep him from free agency.
The winger, who reportedly turned down a 12-year deal worth $101 million, has not discussed his contract status or requirements at all, either here or in Atlanta.
Asked directly if he would stay with the Devils, Kovalchuk said, “We’ll see. It’s a business. You never know. You should ask Lou Lamoriello and my agent. I’m just a player.”
He has not scored since joining the Devils, but has created numerous chances playing on a line with Zubrus and Patrik Elias. He also plays almost every second of each Devils power play.
“I feel very comfortable,” he said. “It seems like I’ve been here all year long. We have a great bunch of guys, very professional. I really like it.”