The Ilya Kovalchuk rumors are over as the 26-year-old has been traded to the New Jersey Devils from the Atlanta Thrashers for a first round draft pick in the next NHL Draft, prospect Patrice Cormier, forward Niclas Bergfors, and defensemen Johnny Oduya. The Russian left winger is currently the fifth leading scorer in the NHL adding significant goal-scoring prowess to the Devils’ roster. Currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference, the New Jersey Devils were already poised to make a run at Lord Stanley’s Cup in 2010, but a player with the quality of Kovalchuk makes them a real contender. The addition of Kovalchuk will give the Devils two lines with prominent left wingers as their leading scorer prior to transaction was American Zach Praise. The Devils also have one of the league’s best goalies in Martin Brodeur who is currently second in the NHL in wins. Kovalchuk, a three time all-star and starter on the Russian National Team, gives the Devils an elite attacking player who could truly help New Jersey compete with anyone in the NHL. The Devils’ move for Kovalchuk will certainly make the coming NHL playoffs even more interesting.