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When a star player signs with a new team or in this case his most recent team, all anyone wants to talk about is why the particular player chose the team he chose. No one mentions the losers and why they were rejected. Recently, Ilya Kovalchuk signed a 17 year deal with the New Jersey Devils, after carefully reviewing the offers from the various other teams. Being the good guy that he is, Kovalchuk contacted each GM directly to let them personally know about his decision.

Here are some of the emails that were sent out.

From: Ilya Kovalchuk
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010
To: Paul Holmgren
CC: Jay Grossman

Subject: Flyers offer

Mr. Holmgren,

I appreciate your interest in bringing me to Philadelphia. Unfortunately, I have decided to go in a different direction. It’s too bad that we couldn’t agree to a deal, but as I stated many times, I’m a guy that likes the spotlight, and the only way I was going to seriously consider coming to play for the Flyers was if you were willing to let me sing God Bless America on the scoreboard before games instead of Scott Hartnell.

Best regards,

Ilya

—

From: Ilya Kovalchuk
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010
To: Garth Snow
CC: Jay Grossman

Subject: Islanders offer

LOL!

—

From: Ilya Kovalchuk
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010
To: Brian Burke
CC: Jay Grossman

Subject: Leafs offer

Mr. Burke,

Thank you for your very generous offer, but I have decided that it’s best for me to pursue my career elsewhere. If you can do me one favor; I would prefer that if anyone mentions to you that they saw me in Toronto and wants to know if I was considering playing for the Leafs, just tell them that I was visiting my secret, gay boyfriend so that I can avoid the embarrassment.

Thanks for understanding,

Ilya

—

From: Ilya Kovalchuk
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010
To: Pierre Gauthier
CC: Jay Grossman

Subject: Canadiens offer

Mr. Gauthier,

After careful consideration, I am not interested in taking my talents to Montreal. I think we have different visions on what my role should be. I see myself as a scorer; whereas it seemed your organization’s opinion was that just because I am over 6 feet, I should be your enforcer up front.

Best of luck,

Ilya

—

From: Ilya Kovalchuk
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010
To: Ken Holland
CC: Jay Grossman

Subject: Red Wings offer

Mr. Holland,

Thank you for your efforts to make room for me on your roster. I understand that you don’t have much money to go around, but I didn’t really love your proposal of a $4 million dollar offer plus all of the money I would save going to movies with my teammates and having them get me a Senior’s Discount.

Wishing you all the best,

Ilya

—

From: Ilya Kovalchuk
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010
To: Jay Grossman

Subject: Is this SPAM?

Hey Jay,

I got an email from the “Phoenix Coyotes” with a contract offer. Is that a real team or is someone messing with me?

Let me know,

Ilya

—

From: Ilya Kovalchuk
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010
To: Doug Wilson
CC: Jay Grossman

Subject: Sharks offer

Mr. Wilson,

Just letting you know that I won’t be joining the Sharks. A tip for the future, I don’t think it’s the best idea to send Dany Heatley to drive prospective players around San Jose.

Ilya

—

From: Ilya Kovalchuk
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2010
To: Dean Lomardi
CC: Jay Grossman

Subject: Kings offer

Mr. Lombardi,

They say you should call your doctor if rejections last for more than 4 seasons.

Good luck,

Ilya

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Written by Corey Krakower
I am the Director of NHL Content & Habs writer for ProSportsBlogging.com; I have spent 8 seasons behind the bench as a minor hockey coach; and I am the future GM of the Montreal Canadiens (according to my mom). I spend my days managing the Harrow Sports brand in my hometown of Montreal and I moonlight as a Hockey Advisor for Pi Athlete Management. Most importantly, I'll throw anyone under the bus for a laugh.