Ilya Kovalchuk addresses rumours that he may be retiring

Just recently, the general manager of the last team Ilya Kovalchuk played for said he was hearing rumours that the 38-year-old former first-overall NHL draft pick was strongly considering retiring. Kovalchuk, who has been very silent since winning the KHL's Gagarin Cup with Omsk Avangard last season, recently did an interview with the NHL's Russian website where he said that is not the case.

During the interview, Kovalchuk was asked about the retirement rumours. He stated clearly that he's preparing for the upcoming season.

"I have some options. But I don't want to say anything now. I train, prepare. And I promise that by the beginning of the season I will be in good shape," said Kovalchuk.

«It's too early to finish my career. There is gunpowder in the flasks. And this is how I prepare, train » said Kovalchuk in an interview with Matchtv.ru.

Meanwhile, KHL president Alexei Morozov was also asked about Kovalchuk possibly retiring in a recent interview. He said Kovalchuk has offers from both the KHL and NHL.

"What was written in the press about the retirement is a lie," said Morozov.

"Kovalchuk is considering proposals from both the NHL and Russia."

After winning the Gagarin Cup with Avangard last season, Kovalchuk had the option to play for the club for another year. He declined that option, and many believed it was because he wanted to once again return to the NHL. While there is certainly no denying Kovalchuk's talent, the youth movement is in full force in the NHL and it may be difficult for him to find any takers at almost 40 years of age. Kovalchuk last returned to the NHL in 2018 after a five-season stint in the KHL. He was signed by the LA Kings to a three-year deal, but would only play for the team for a little over a season before the club decided to buy him out. He then signed on for the rest of the year with the Montreal Canadiens, but was traded to the Washington Capitals at the deadline. After the Caps were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in 2020, Kovalchuk then signed a deal with Omsk Avangard. He has played 926 games in the NHL throughout his career, recording 443 goals and 876 points.

Source: Sport24.ru

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