NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 05: A fan holds a sign aimed at Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the Los Angeles Kings prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 05, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.

Watch: Devils fans serenade Kovalchuk with boos, 'Kovalsuck' chant

Josh Gold-Smith
7 years ago
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New Jersey Devils fans had been waiting a long time to tell Ilya Kovalchuk how they felt and that opportunity finally came Tuesday night.

The Devils' faithful at the Prudential Center repeatedly booed and chanted "Kovalsuck" at the Los Angeles Kings forward in his first game in New Jersey since he retired from the NHL in 2013 to return to his native Russia.

The infamous departure came three seasons after he signed a 15-year, $100-million deal with the Devils.

After playing for SKA St. Petersburg from 2013 to 2018, Kovalchuk inked a three-year, $18.75-million contract with the Kings last July.

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