Ilya Kovalchuk will remain in SKA next season

Kovalchuk was rumored to be looking into a loophole to return to the NHL for the 2016–17 season.

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Ilya Kovalchuk will stay in the SKA next season, the KHL star confirmed on Wednesday.

Kovalchuk was rumored to be looking into a loophole to return to the NHL for the 2016–17 season. He is owed 15 million euros over the next two years under his SKA deal, but could have been granted an early exemption.

The 32-year-old retired from the NHL in 2013, in what was considered a surprise move. He spent the final four years of his career with the New Jersey Devils, tallying 188 points in 222 games.

– Kenny Ducey