Ilya Kovalchuk to reportedly sign with Rangers, returning to NHL after 5-year absence

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Half a decade after returning to Russia to play in the KHL, it looks like Ilya Kovalchuk is primed for an NHL comeback. Kovalchuk, who signed with the Atlanta Thrashers prior to the 2001 season and played through the 2012-13 season, ending his career with the Devils, will reportedly be signing a 2-3 year contract with the New York Rangers, per Sport-Express' Igor Eronko. Kovalchuk's return means big things for the Rangers, who fired head coach Alain Vigneault after New York missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009-10 with a lowly 77 points. The Rangers announced earlier this year that they were in a rebuild, and Kovalchuk will apparently be a key part of the new look for next season.

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