Just as it appeared the Los Angeles Kings may be back in the running for Ilya Kovalchuk, a Russian sports website reported that a KHL team is close to signing the free-agent winger along with former San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov.Sports Express posted that Kovalchuk was "close to signing" with the KHL's SKA St. Petersburg franchise, although the site didn't cite the source for its information. Kovalchuk's agent, Jay Grossman, has not commented on the negotiations, which were reportedly close to being finalized with the New Jersey Devils earlier this week.
"We discuss terms of the agreement, but it's hard to say when they finish," SKA general manager Andrey Tochitsky told Sports Express.
L.A. Times hockey columnist Helene Elliott reported the Kings and Kovalchuk's representatives were "re-engaged" in negotiations, days after talks fell apart.
Dmitry Chesnokov, a Washington-based blogger for Yahoo!, wrote on Twitter that Nabokov has accepted a four-year deal with SKA.
While it would be unprecedented for a player of Kovalchuk's stature in the prime of his career to leave the NHL, Nabokov's potential departure would be less of a shock. Nabokov, who turns 35 at month's end, is the top free agent goalie, although it appears teams are unwilling to offer a major contract.
Eric Holder Personally Approved Controversial Fox News Warrant
Boy Scouts To Allow Gay Youths
Obama Lays Out New Drone Policy
Senate Confirms Key Obama Nominee As Filibuster Fight Looms
Change For Key IRS Scandal Figure, Reports Say
Jodi Arias Jury DEADLOCKED
This Major Stock Collapse Is A Serious Warning For The U.S.
Obama Tries To Have It Both Ways On 'Perpetual War' Law
Brave Woman Stood Down Armed London Attackers
Could Miscarriages Become Criminal?
Horror In Bethesda
Tom Coburn Ratchets Down Opposition To Tornado Relief Bill
Killed Soldier In London Attack Identified
GOP-Backed Student Loan Plan Clears House Despite Veto Threat
LISTEN: Terror Inside Elementary School As Tornado Hits
More Than 100 Conservative Economists Say Immigration Reform Will Help Economy
Imams Visit Auschwitz, Pray For Holocaust Victims
Farm State Senator Defends 'Monsanto Protection Act'
PHOTO: Weiner Website Uses PITTSBURGH's Skyline, Not NYC's
McAfee Denies Murder: 'Not My Style'
Lawmaker: 'Medical Marijuana Saved My Life'
WATCH: Police Force Shows Up To Support 5-Year-Old Who Lost Her Dad
WATCH: Jon Stewart Shuts Down Bill O'Reilly
NOAA Releases 2013 Hurricane Season Predictions
KKK Rally Exposed
New Trayvon Martin Evidence Features Incriminating Photos, Texts From Teen
Murkowski Pours Cold Water On Possible Palin Comeback
