Devils expect Kovalchuk to practice Wednesday
Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said Sunday that forward Ilya Kovalchuk will be back in the United States on Tuesday, and he's expected to be on the ice Wednesday.
Kovalchuk is traveling back from Russia, where he played in the KHL All-Star Game on Sunday, and will not be fined for his absence. Lamoriello said he did not violate the terms of his contract by missing three days of training camp.
"I'm very comfortable with the situation," said Lamoriello. "There is no penalty involved. There is no disrepect involved."
Kovalchuk played 36 games in the KHL and should hit the ice in game shape this week. That eases concern of management, and teammates such as veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur, said there is no issue in the locker room because of Kovalchuk's late arrival.
"Kovy is a dominant player -- he doesn't need to be here for seven days," Brodeur said.
