Kovalchuk returns to NHL with L.A. Kings

After five years back home in Russia, Ilya Kovalchuk is ready to resume his Stanley Cup chase with the Los Angeles Kings.

The high-scoring forward agreed to a threeyear, $18.75 million deal with the Kings on Saturday, choosing Los Angeles over several teams — including the Sharks — for his return to the NHL.

Kovalchuk, 35, scored 816 points in 816 career games for the Atlanta Thrashers and the New Jersey Devils before leaving North America in 2013 for the Kontinental Hockey League’s SKA St. Petersburg. He led the KHL in scoring last season, and he was the MVP of the Olympic tournament in Pyeongchang while propelling the “Olympic Athletes from Russia” to a gold medal.

Trade: The Carolina Hurricanes acquired defenseman Dougie Hamilton as part of a fiveplayer trade with the Calgary Flames at the NHL draft. Carolina got Hamilton, wing Micheal Ferland and prospect Adam Fox from Calgary for center Elias Lindholm and defenseman Noah Hanifin.

Briefly: Arizona has agreed to a contract extension with defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, arizonasports.com reported . ... Dallas defenseman Stephen Johns has agreed to a three-year, $7 million extension . ... Colorado has placed defenseman Brooks Orpik on unconditional waivers to buy out his $5.5 million contract for next season. He was acquired from Washington on Friday.