The NHL Players Association filed a grievance Monday challenging the NHL's rejection of the New Jersey Devils' 17-year, $102 million contract with high-scoring winger Ilya Kovalchuk.
Ilya Kovalchuk's contract, rejected by the NHL last week, will go before an arbitrator.
"Under the terms of the CBA, the NHLPA and Mr. Kovalchuk are entitled to an expedited resolution of this matter," the union said in a statement.
The league and union must agree on the hiring of an independent arbitrator. Then that person would have to make a decision within 48 hours.
"Although there is no defined timetable at this point, we intend to work with the Players Association to ensure an expeditious resolution of this dispute," deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement. "The league looks forward to the opportunity to establish its position before the arbitrator."
The league turned down the deal on Tuesday, saying it circumvented the collective-bargaining agreement. The contract pays him $95 million over the first 10 years and $3.5 million over the last six years, resulting in an overall cap hit of $6 million. He would be 44 if he played the entire contract.
If an arbitrator rules with the union, Kovalchuk's contract will become valid. If not, Kovalchuk becomes an unrestricted free agent.
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SOURCE: USA Today
Mike Brehm
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