Former First Overall Pick Officially Returns to Hockey After a Multi-Year Hiatus

The first overall pick in 2001, Ilya Kovalchuk, retired from professional hockey in 2020. However, he has now returned, and he clearly hasn't lost a step!

The 40-year-old scored a goal, and won the game 5-2.

After one of the most controversial NHL careers of all time, where he signed one of the biggest contracts in league history, then proceeded to leave for Russia three years in, Kovalchuk is back. It's unlikely he has a long career ahead of him, but as long as his passion for the game is alive he'll have no problems.

Congrats Ilya on making your return!

As Read on Blade of Steel - Former first-overall pick, 13-year NHL veteran returns to professional hockey

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Mike Whitaker Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES