NEW YORK -- Could Ilya Kovalchuk be staying in Russia?

Multiple reports have speculated the 29-year-old is considering whether to stay in his native Russia rather than return to his NHL club, the New Jersey Devils, once the lockout ends.

According to a Devils spokesperson, the team has "no reason" to think he isn't coming back.

On Wednesday, Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said the expectation is that Kovalchuk will be at training camp when it opens.

"He'll be here," Lamoriello told ESPNNewYork.com after arriving in New York for the NHL's Board of Governors meeting.