When he retired from the NHL three years later , he still had 12 years left on his contract .
However , the Devils and Kovalchuk worked out an NHL approved deal for 15 years and $100 million dollars .
When Kovalchuk retired from the NHL three years later , Kovalchuk still had 12 years left on Kovalchuk 's contract .
However , the Devils and Kovalchuk worked out an NHL approved deal for 15 years and $100 million dollars .