Kings, Kovalchuk agree to three-year deal

Ilya Kovalchuk is returning to the NHL after agreeing to a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

Rob Blake, the Kings GM, announced the deal.

"We are excited to add Ilya to the LA Kings organization. He gives us an added element of skill and scoring along with a desire to win," said Blake, adding that the team would address the signing further on July 1.

According to TSN insider Bob McKenzie, the deal is for ab average of $6.25 million per season.

Kovalchuk retired in June 2013 with 12 years and $77 million remaining on a 15-year deal he signed with the New Jersey Devils in 2010. Because he was designated to the voluntary retirement list, Kovalchuk's rights belonged to the Devils until he turned 35 on April 15.

After leaving the NHL, Kovalchuk went on to star in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League for the last five seasons.

With St. Petersburg in the KHL this season, Kovalchuk had 31 goals and 32 assists in 53 games, leading the league in scoring.

The first overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft notched 417 goals and 399 assists in 816 career games in the NHL.

--Field Level Media