THE DEVILS' BARGAIN?

The article focuses on hockey player Ilya Kovalchuk of the New Jersey Devils team in the National Hockey League (NHL). Kovalchuk's, 15-year, $100 million contract he signed with the Devils as a free agent is discussed, and it is noted such an extravagant contract was uncharacteristic for its general manager Lou Lamoriello. The Devils' poor start to the 2010-2011 season is examined, particularly the difficulty of incorporating Kovalchuk's offensive skills into the team's defensive style.