Report: If Kovalchuk wants to return to NHL, Devils hold the cards

If Ilya Kovalchuk is intent on returning to the NHL, New Jersey Devils general manager Ray Shero appears in line to act as facilitator.

Below are the applicable protocols to be followed if the 34-year-old wants to return to the NHL for the 2017-18 season, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.

Kovalchuk remains property of (the Devils) as he is on the Voluntary Retirement List (VRL) so he is free to sign with them for coming season. If Kovalchuk doesn't want to return to NJ, he could sign with ANY team as long as EVERY other team in NHL signs off on it. Not a chance.

Because Kovalchuk is on VRL, NJ can't trade his rights to any team unless Kovalchuk signs with NJ first. So sign and trade possible.

Note: Only way Kovalchuk can come off VRL is by signing with NJ. Player on VRL can't have rights traded. Thus, sign and trade is required.

Kovalchuk found himself in the headlines after Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Hockey Night in Canada that the Russian forward is interested in returning to North America to ply his trade, now that his KHL contract has expired.

Kovalchuk last played in the NHL back in 2013, choosing to walk away from a massive contract with the Devils in favor of returning home.