I just found the details for Kovalchuk's year-by-year salary on capgeek. I'll re-post the table here (click to enlarge): 

It's obvious that Lou knows Kovalchuk isn't going to come close to playing out this contract; he gets league minimum salary for the last six years. I think he'll retire in his mid-30's, since his offense will be gone by then and he won't have anything to add to the game. I'd really like to see the NHL throw this contract out, but I'd be shocked if they actually do that. Part of me just can't stomach Kovalchuk getting paid $11.5M for five straight years.