groovejuice
Without deviation progress is not possible
There is a difference between the lessening of a sanction applied by the Commisioners office and the application of the CBA. New Jersey did not get relief from Kovalchuk's cap recapture. Even LA has to carry a cap recapture for the Richard's settlement, and the only reason LA didn't get hit with more is because he was actually arrested and charged.
Like any contact, even the CBA, it is up for interpretation and possible arbitration. The Kovalchuk contract was worse than the Weber one, and it was the contract itself that was rejected by the League prior to signing. By comparison, the League allowed the contracts of Weber and Suter, which were not quite as objectionable, apparently.
As I understand it, the financial penalty to New Jersey was minimal and they forfeited a 3rd rd. pick, while their 1st was reinstated but at a lower placement.
There is a precedent for leniency, and doubly so in this case since the NHL approved both the Offer Sheet and the contract offered by Nashville.
Of course, it all becomes moot if Weber plays through his full contract.