Islanders won't get top free agent Kovalchuk

Ilya to the Island? Not quite.

Although the saga of the summer's hottest free agent, Ilya Kovalchuk, has yet to be resolved, one thing is certain: The 27-year-old Russian sniper will not be signing with the Islanders.

Getting Kovalchuk undoubtedly would have been Islanders general manager Garth Snow's biggest splash to date, but it appears he might not have gone far beyond dipping his toes into the water.

It is believed that although the Islanders' interest was legitimate, they never entered serious discussions with Kovalchuk's camp or made an offer. Contrary to reports that the Islanders lobbed a 10-year, $100-million Hail Mary to entice Kovalchuk to Uniondale, a short-term deal was their plan had negotiations advanced.

Considering Kovalchuk had more attractive long-term options on the table, however, the Islanders never moved past the exploratory stage of discussions. "I'd rather keep those conversations between Jay and myself," Snow said of agent Jay Grossman.

Snow did say he'd be crazy to not show interest in Kovalchuk - who has 338 goals and 304 assists in 621 games - and has no reservations about having made inquiries about him or for pursuing top defensemen Dan Hamhuis and Paul Martin last week.

"When there are top free agents available, we're going to go after them," Snow said. "Obviously, if we make the call, we have interest. We have interest in the top free agents now and we will in the future."

Although one potential suitor has been ruled out, the speculation about where the star winger will end up continues despite reports Monday that indicated Kovalchuk was on the verge of re-signing with the Devils for $60 million over seven years.

Beyond the Devils and the Islanders (not to mention the lingering KHL option), the Kings were among the teams interested in Kovalchuk. Los Angeles was considered by many to be the early front-runner until general manager Dean Lombardi announced Sunday night that the Kings were out of the mix.

Anticipation peaked early Monday afternoon when Grossman announced that his client's landing spot would be revealed soon.

"Ilya Kovalchuk looking to make decision on his future today," Grossman said on his Twitter account, although that scenario never came to fruition.

Grossman, who could not be reached for comment, used his Twitter account to provide an update on his client's situation again last night:

"Ilya Kovalchuk choices have been narrowed down. Details to be finalized but no announcement tonight . . . "

The hockey world awaits as the Kovalchuk drama unfolds. But at least one team now can be crossed off that list.

Notes & quotes: Islanders restricted free agent Matt Moulson filed for arbitration, agent Wade Arnott confirmed. Moulson, 26, led the team with 30 goals last season.