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Ilya Kovalchuk: a look back

On July 11th, 2013, 30-year-old New Jersey Devils winger Ilya Kovalchuk stunned the hockey world by announcing his retirement from the NHL, with $77 million left on his contract.

It's a bizarre finish to a spectacular career.

Photos: Odd and premature retirements | First-overall draft picks of the 2000s