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Report: KHL team SKA might be close to landing Ilya Kovalchuk

Russia v Czech Republic - 2010 IIHF World Championship

COLOGNE, GERMANY - MAY 23: of Russia and of Czech Republic battle for the puck during the IIHF World Championship gold medal match between Russia and Czech Republic at Lanxess Arena on May 23, 2010 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Martin Rose

The Russian newspaper Sport-Express reports that Ilya Kovalchuk may be close to signing with a KHL team, according to a Tweet by Alexander Zaitsev of Russian Hockey Fans.com.

Sport-Express is reporting that SKA has offered Kovalchuk a $36m/4-year contract. Kovy wants $40m. If SKA gives him $40m he will sign soon

That’s not the type of offer that would be unthinkable among some of the NHL teams, though. While a $9-10 million annual salary/cap hit is a bit much for the Russian winger, the shorter term would allow his pursuer a little more piece of mind. It makes you wonder what kind of offer the Kings actually sent his way.

Keep in mind this is only a rumor, though. It’s quite possible that he’ll end up in the NHL after all.

If he ends up signing with SKA, however, the KHL would have its answer to Bobby Hull signing with the WHA way back when.