The waiting game continues with unrestricted free-agent left-winger Ilya Kovalchuk.

There have been some developments in the past few days, but nothing has led to a signing. The Los Angeles Kings, rumored to be out of the Kovalchuk Sweepstakes, entered back into it yesterday. Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, submitted a proposal to the Kings. His money demands were too high, which would hamstring the long-term ability to sign players. They couldn’t work out a deal and, according to the LA Times, a potential deal is dead.

There were supposedly two contracts offered. The first was for 12 years at $5.25 million per season, and the second was 13 years at $6.5 million a year. Since both were rejected, it looks as if Kovalchuk won’t come off the demands for $10 million per year.

Throughout this entire process, it’s always seemed like the Devils were the one NHL team willing to sign Kovalchuk. I don’t believe that general manager Lou Lamoriello would continue to be in on the talks if he didn’t want to sign the left-winger. Giving him $10 million would be excessive, but we’ll see what happens.