Another thing that shocked North American journalists is that Kovalchuk walked away from $77 million that were guaranteed to him. He had one of the best contracts in history of the NHL, and terminated it!
“The financial side is important. We like to discuss that everything is done because of money. But this is not the main reason, that you can believe. Although I think that my son will come to the KHL not to his [financial] detriment. But I don’t know all of the details, sorry.”
Did you talk to Ilya last night?
“Yes, of course. Right before he talked with the Devils general manager. He said ‘That’s it, the matter is closed. There is no way back.’ It was probably a difficult emotional decision. But this is what my son wanted very much.”
Are you happy as a mother? Now you will be able to see Ilya more often. It’s only a few hours from St. Petersburg to Tver.
“It is a huge advantage. I will be able not only to see my son, but my grandchildren. Yes, we’ll have to figure out some issues – his daughter is already in school. But that’s OK, there is an American school in St. Petersburg. I hope that everything goes smoothly, and we will overcome all the difficulties.”
Article Appeared @http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/kovalchuk-mother-escrow-taxes-led-son-civilized-departure-132650998.html