NHLPA STATEMENT ON KOVALCHUK CONTRACT MATTER

TORONTO (July 21, 2010) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) released the following statement today regarding the rejection of Ilya Kovalchuk’s contract with the New Jersey Devils by the National Hockey League (NHL):

"The NHLPA is currently analyzing the basis upon which the NHL rejected the contract between the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk. We are evaluating the options available to us under the terms established in the CBA. The NHLPA will have no further comment at this time." – Jonathan Weatherdon, NHLPA Spokesperson