Ilya Kovalchuk: "I do not rule out that if the salaries are cut I will stay in the KHL."
NJD Kovalchuk joins Ovechkin saying he could stay in Russia (via Sportbox) More info from Puck Daddy : "I can play in the KHL for the whole year and I'll do it with great pleasure," the Russian explained. "I am glad that no matter where we play we get a full house and very good support from the spectators. And it's also nice to play in a good team. I'd love to compete in the playoffs for SKA. But if suddenly I'll have to leave for the NHL, I don't think it'll be a big problem for the team as we've got four equal lines. Basically, I don't rule out staying in Russia in the case of a reduction of our salaries in the NHL," the player stressed. "I just don't understand why they needed to sign such contracts? Or they were just hoping to cut the percentage later? I believe that the contracts must be respected and this is a fundamental question. There's no way the head of the [NHL Players'] Association and the hockey players will agree on the wage reduction."