The only negative repercussion for the Devils is that the Kovalchuk cap hit in the early years is now going to increase to $6.6 million, up from the $5 million dollars (as per that first cap circumventing contract which was rejected by the NHL and the arbiter).  Oh, and they had to shorten Kolvalchuk’s contract. I’m sure Lou isn’t going to lose sleep over not having Kovalchuk when he’s 44. 

“The New Jersey Devils acted in good faith throughout this entire process and operated solely on the assumption that our negotiations and both contracts reached were fully compliant with the CBA, as written and applied. Arbitrator Bloch reached that same conclusion in his August 9 decision. We are pleased that this matter has finally been concluded to all parties’ satisfaction.” – Lou Lamoriello.   

Really Lou? I call bullshit. This episode hasn’t been concluded to my satisfaction. And, unless the 26 other NHL GM’s and Owners are brain dead, they shouldn’t be satisfied either. Any team could have pulled this stunt and gotten the most sort after unrestricted free agent of this summer. Question is, why didn’t they?

This whole thing smacks of collusion on the part of the NHL, Lou, the Devils ownership AND perhaps all the other NHL teams. The geniuses at the NHL, lawyers Bettman and Daly, left loopholes in the CBA so big Lou (or any other GM) could and did jump through them. New Jersey gets rewarded by being allowed to keep Kovalchuk. Chicago gets to keep Hossa. Boston gets to keep Savard and the Flyers keep Pronger. The NHL gets to close its loopholes into the next CBA. 

Why aren’t the other owners and GM’s screaming? What’s in this for them? Has Gary placed some sort of gag order on everyone? If another GM (Sather) had pulled this, their teams would have been fined or punished. How does Lou keep getting away with this sh*t? Inquiring minds want to know.

The truth is out there. Lead on, McDuff…