New Jersey Devils’ Ilya Kovalchuk stuns NHL with retirement announcement http://nhl.si.com/2013/07/11/devils-ilya-kovalchuk-retires/
Kovalchuk never really wanted to play in North America. Its fair to say he just came over for the $$$. Now that the KHL plays its superstars on-par w/ the NHL (plus tax free), its was just a matter of time before he'd bolt for the mother land. Besides, its been reported he didnt want to come back after the work stoppage so its no surprise.
If something happens to his cash flow in the K, he'll be back..
Cheers, K