Former First Overall Pick Makes Shocking Christmas Day Announcement: His Career is Over

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Aaron Itovitch
December 25, 2024  (9:36)

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Photo credit: ESPN

After being drafted first overall in 2001, playing for five NHL franchises, and winning a Rocket Richard, Ilya Kovalchuk's career is coming to an end.

Ilya Kovalchuk has flip-flopped in and out of retirement for years, but, in a new interview, he has officially determined that his professional career is likely over, as he has slowed down.

Last season, with Spartak Moskva of the KHL, Kovalchuk had a mere eight points in 20 games, a far cry from the player that held up a nearly point-per-game pace in the NHL for over 900 games.

He has accomplished all one could want in a career other than a Stanley Cup win, including two fifty-goal seasons, three all-star games, and a Gagarin Cup win (the KHL's championship trophy).

Many will remember Kovalchuk for the ridiculous contract he once signed with the New Jersey Devils. Had that 17 year long contract lasted, he'd still be on it for three more years.

Kovalchuk said that he would be open to a position in management earlier this year, and it is not impossible that the role is in North America.

Having played for the Atlanta Thrashers, a possible Atlanta expansion team could be a great landing spot for Kovalchuk to go in as an executive. Also having played for the New Jersey Devils, LA Kings, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals, Kovalchuk is no stranger to the North American market.

We will see what's next for the former first overall pick, but his accolades speak for themselves, and the hockey hall of fame should be calling in the not-so-distant future.

Congrats on an amazing career, Ilya!

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Previously

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Concerning Statistic for Connor Bedard: Blackhawks May Be Forced to Make Difficult Decision

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DÉCEMBRE 25   |   240 ANSWERS Former First Overall Pick Makes Shocking Christmas Day Announcement: His Career is Over Do you think Ilya Kovalchuk should be inducted into the hall of fame?
Yes	88	36.7 %
No	152	63.3 %
LIST OF POLLS

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