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Uncle Lou does it again!!!!
Loophole Lou, as I may start calling him. If you recall, he used loopholes to get out of similar binds in the past (you may recall Lou trading a retiring V. Malakhov to Sharks for A. Korolyuk, who never played in NJ AND acquired from the Sharks in the first place!)
So after being fined $3M and forfeiting a 3rd rounder in 2011 and a 2st rounder (of choice) in the next 3 years, Lamoriello unwound himself of that hefty penalty after Kovalchuk bolted (or should I say, "retired") to the KHL.
After a Stanley Cup Final appearance, which resulted in the Devils picking 29th overall, one would have thought that it was the 1st rounder they would forfeit. No, they made the pick, to my surprise.
So the NHL has had reversal of fortune and is reversing the original penalty as such:
The sanctions originally imposed on the Club included a significant fine, the forfeiture of the Club's third-round draft selection in 2011 (which was forfeited) and the forfeiture of a first-round draft selection which has been deferred by the Club until this year in accordance with the terms of the original penalty. As a result, as it relates to the portion of the discipline relating to the first-round draft pick, the Devils stand to forfeit it entirely in the upcoming 2014 NHL Draft. The Devils recently applied to the League for reconsideration and relief from a portion of the original penalty, citing primarily changes in circumstances which, in the Club's view, changed the appropriateness of the sanctions initially imposed. After due and thorough consideration, the League has decided that a modification of the original circumvention penalty associated with the Kovalchuk contract is warranted and, accordingly, has amended the sanctions as follows:
The New Jersey Devils will now be entitled to the 30th selection overall in the 2014 NHL Draft (the last pick in the first round), regardless of the Devils' final standing following the 2013/14 season.
The Club will not be permitted to trade or transfer its right to the 30th overall selection in the 2014 NHL Draft.
The Club's fine has been partially reduced.
Uncle Lou should apply to become the NHL Commissioner. He is re-writing the Constitution as we speak!
So how does he do it?
How does he get Carolina to take on 20% of Ruutu's salary??
Speaking of...
Another anticlimactic trading deadline in Jersey. Typical Uncle Lou.
I think the Ruutu trade makes out team better. The biggest complaint from Devils fans was the contract taken back - which after finding out the Canes will retain some make it a bit more flexible cap-wise for the future.
Ruutu brings experience and some grit down the middle where we need it most. Now the Devils have Four 3rd lines... or as they call it, four 1st Lines in Jersey. A balanced team.
Devils fans, what do you think of the Ruutu trade??
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate 
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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