The Ilya Kovalchuk situation appears to be coming to a head sooner than later.

The Russian winger is believed to be mulling a return to the NHL following a four-year KHL hiatus, and would have to do so via a deal with the New Jersey Devils, who could then trade him to a more preferred destination.

Devils general manager Ray Shero said there's no update as of Sunday, but added, "I don't think this stretches on for real long," according to Andrew Gross of The Record.

Three of the teams on Kovalchuk's wish list are believed to be the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kovalchuk's potential availability slots him as one of the most intriguing remaining free-agent options.

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