Arbitrator Rules In Favor Of NHL, Nullifies Kovy's Contract

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Just when you thought it might finally be over, you hear the news: Ilya Kovalchuk is officially a free agent (again).

As promised, the outcome of the Kovalchuk fiasco between the NHL and NHLPA was announced today.

The arbitrator, Richard Bloch, decided to uphold the league's decision to void the Russian sniper's 17-year deal with the New Jersey Devils.

Bloch called it "a retirement contract," and claimed that the deal went "well beyond the typical retirement age for NHL players."


The NHL released this statement regarding the contract grievance:

"We want to thank Arbitrator Bloch for his prompt resolution of a complex issue. His ruling is consistent with the League's view of the manner in which the Collective Bargaining Agreement should deal with contracts that circumvent the Salary Cap."

Chris Pronger Latest Addition to Flyers' Offseason Surgery List

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105 games later, it's no surprise that the Black and Orange have become the Black and Blue.

According to several sources (and broken by Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly), both Chris Pronger and Dan Carcillo are currently recovering from successful offseason surgeries.

Last week, Pronger had arthroscopic knee surgery and Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren is confident about the timetable of his return.

"Chris Pronger had minor surgery on his right knee... He will be ready for the start of training camp."

It hasn't been confirmed when Carcillo had his abdominal and stomach surgery for his sports hernia, but it looks like he should return in time for the season as well.

These latest surgeries can be added to the Flyers' typical laundry list of offseason procedures.

NHL Headlines: All The Signings You Missed This Week

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The biggest story of the week?
 
Marty Turco is now a Chicago Blackhawk and Antti Niemi is filing for unemployment.

However, a lot has been going on in the hockey world other than the Turco/Niemi fiasco.

So...here's a recap of the past week's signings and departures you might have missed while you were constantly checking Twitter to see if the Flyers signed Niemi:

Antti Niemi Not Coming To Philly, Flyers Ready To Ride The Leighton

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Paul Holmgren told reporters today that the Flyers are not interested in signing UFA goaltender Antti Niemi.

Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly, as well as Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer, tweeted the news just hours ago.

Niemi, who helped Chicago win the Stanley Cup last June, became a free agent today after the Chicago Blackhawks signed former Dallas Stars netminder Marty Turco and opted to let the young Finnish native walk.

Confirmed: Marty Turco Now A Chicago Blackhawk, Niemi Set To Leave

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Hours after the rumors were claimed to be false, the Chicago Blackhawks finally confirmed today that they have signed former Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco to a one-year deal.

Furthermore, the 'Hawks have also declared that they are no longer interested in the services of Finnish rookie Antti Niemi, who helped the team capture the Stanley Cup last June.

Last night reports surfaced from WGNTV in Chicago that the 35-year-old Turco was Chicago's new goalie, despite the fact that no member of the organization confirmed the signing.