The Los Angeles Kings again have said no to signing free agent Ilya Kovalchuk.

General Manager Dean Lombardi ended his initial pursuit of the two-time 50-goal scorer Sunday but was "re-engaged" by Kovalchuk's agent, Jay Grossman.

After evaluating a proposal sent Wednesday by Grossman, the Kings calculated they couldn't sign Kovalchuk and have salary cap space to retain the young players who are becoming the franchise's cornerstones.

The Kings reportedly offered him $63 million over 12 years. Several sources familiar with the situation said Kovalchuk hasn't compromised on seeking an average annual value of $10 million.

Kovalchuk has few options: New Jersey reportedly offered $60 million over seven years but would have to first trade some players, or he could go to Russia and play there.

Elsewhere • Right winger Eric Fehr has signed a $4.4 million, two-year contract to stay with Washington. ... Buffalo re-signed Patrick Lalime, a former Blues goalie, to a one-year contract. Lalime, 36 has spent the past two seasons as Ryan Miller's backup. ... John Torchetti left Chicago to serve as an associate coach with Atlanta — the fourth city in which he has worked with new Thrashers general manager Rick Dudley.