Ilya Kovalchuk, the prized free agent of the offseason, is inching closer to signing a new deal, although his agent said it wouldn't happen on Monday. Kovalchuk's "choices have been narrowed down," agent Jay Grossman wrote on Twitter, adding that details of the new deal have not been finalized.
Earlier Monday, Grossman wrote that Kovalchuk would "make decision on his future today."
The New Jersey Devils, which acquired Kovalchuk via trade with the Atlanta Thrashers in February, appear to be the odds-on favorite to sign him since the Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders -- two other teams that expressed interest in the winger -- have apparently bowed out of the sweepstakes.
Newsday confirmed on Monday night that the Islanders are out of the running.
There still remains the possibility that Kovalchuk, 27, could return to his native Russia and play in the KHL.
A message left with Grossman Monday night was not immediately returned.
'Sopranos' Star Dies At 51
Obama Climate Change Strategy Coming Soon
Michael Hastings' Wife Obliterates New York Times For Dismissive Obituary
Bernanke: Fed Could Reduce Stimulus Later This Year
'Today' About To Undergo Another Overhaul
Paula Deen Allegedly Makes Racist Comments
Senate Close To Immigration Breakthrough
Darden Restaurants Continues War Against Obamacare
Abercrombie Failing To Show Fired Woman's Headscarf Hurt Sales: Report
Atheist Seeking Citizenship Told She Must First Join Church
AP CEO Levels Grave Accusations At DOJ
Microsoft Completely Walks Back Xbox One Restrictions After Gamer Backlash
Tea Partiers Boo Marco Rubio On Immigration
U.S. Tries To Save Taliban Talks
Stop Force-Feeding Gitmo Detainees, Democratic Senator Says
Is LinkedIn A Stalking Ground?
Lawmakers Float Potential Breakthrough On Student Loans Issue
Australian Women Post Breast Pics To Protest Sexism
Murkowski Backs Gay Marriage
Having Premarital Sex Now Means You're Married In India
Federal Funding For Fire Prevention Going Up In Flames
British Girl Scouts Take God Out Of Pledge, Keep Queen
Michael Hastings Challenged And Infuriated Journalists, In Washington And Afghanistan
From Child Hero To Murder Suspect
Banks May Face Stricter Mortgage Measures After Big Settlement Fail
Mobile App Allows Users To Report Racial Profiling
Ann Coulter's Terrible Advice For Winning The Latino Vote
Which Majors Have The Lowest Unemployment Rate?
BREAKING: New Wildfire Prompts Evacuation Of Homes
