Its probably been the toughest few months for Devils fans since the time they needed to recover from the Game 7 loss against Carolina in 2009. Now Devils fans can breathe easily as the NHL and NHLPA agreed to amend the CBA which will allow allow different structure patterns for long-term contracts which go beyond age 35 but will place emphasis passed age 40. Under the new agreement the Kovalchuk 15 year $100 million dollar deal will get approved, but the cap hit is yet to be fully released. Also this agreement exempts the contracts of Marian Hossa with Chicago, Marc Savard of Boston and Roberto Luongo of Vancouver. The PA gave pre-authorization to approve this deal with the NHL and no vote will be needed. Now the Devils have to figure out a way to get under the salary cap to accomodate Kovalchuk. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello continues to preach patience and it shows you his professionalism in this. It will be tough for the Devils to get under the salary cap, but its likely that will be the next order of business after labor day weekend for Lou Lamoriello. They need to move quickly since training camp starts on September 17th. Players who might bet moved are:
Brian Rolston
Patrik Elias (unlikely)
Bryce Salvador
Colin White
Rod Pelley
Tyler Eckford
Dainius Zubrus
Jamie Langenbrunner (unlikely)
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