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NEWS

Ilya Kovalchuk to Finally Decide His Future in Hockey

PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
October 2, 2023  (1:17 PM)
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Never say never...

Despite not having played professional hockey since 2021, former NHL and KHL star player Ilya Kovalchuk has announced he's considering a return. The 40-year-old told reporters in Russia he'd have an answer soon.

"I have not officially ended my career. I'm not the type to want to play one last match. I would like to play again and help a team win. I will first contact Spartak head coach Alexei Zhamnov to see if he has any interest. A decision on a contract should be made within two weeks."

Kovalchuk's KHL Career

Kovalchuk never played for Spartak in the KHL, but did come up through the team's youth hockey system in Moscow. His last stint in the KHL was with Avangard Omsk in 2020-21, when he won a Gagarin Cup. It was his third, with the first two coming with SKA St. Petersburg. Kovalchuk was named the KHL's playoff MVP while winning the Cup with SKA in 2015, but refused to accept it, handing it to teammate Evgenii Dadonov, whom he felt deserved it more.

NHL Career

Kovalchuk was a 1st overall draft pick of the Atlanta Thrashers of the NHL in 2001. Besides that team, he also played for New Jersey, LA, Montreal and Washington. He left North America three times during his career to return home, only to come back to the NHL again.

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Kovalchuk with the Atlanta Thrashers, where he began his NHL career

POLL
OCTOBRE 2   |   92 ANSWERS
Ilya Kovalchuk to Finally Decide His Future in Hockey

Do you think Kovalchuk will play pro again?

Yes2830.4 %
No4953.3 %
Not sure1516.3 %
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