Ilya Kovalchuk

Russian winger who played for five NHL teams and won Olympic gold in 2018.

Ilya Valeryevich Kovalchuk (born 15 April 1983) is a Russian former professional ice hockey winger. He played for the Atlanta Thrashers, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (NHL), as well as Ak Bars Kazan, Khimik Moscow Oblast, SKA Saint Petersburg, Avangard Omsk, and Spartak Moscow in the Russian Superleague (RSL) and Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Quick Facts

Born: 15 April 1983
Birthplace: Kalinin, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Right
Draft: 1st overall
Drafted by: Atlanta Thrashers

Lore & Background

Kovalchuk developed in the youth system of Spartak Moscow, joining their senior team in the Vysshaya Liga in 1999. After two seasons with Spartak, he joined the Atlanta Thrashers of the NHL, who selected him first overall in the 2001 NHL entry draft. After eight seasons with the Thrashers, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils in 2010, with which he signed a 15-year, $100 million contract, after a 17-year, $102 million deal was blocked by the NHL. In 2013, he left the NHL to return to Russia, joining SKA Saint Petersburg, where he played for five seasons before returning to the NHL in 2018. Kovalchuk returned to the KHL for the 2020–21 season, before taking two years off from hockey and ultimately returning to Spartak.

Reader's Guide

Kovalchuk is tied for fourth all time in the NHL for regular-season overtime goals scored (15) and 18th in goals-per-game average (.511), and is the seventh-highest scoring Russian in NHL history. In the NHL, Kovalchuk has twice been named to the All-Star team, and in 2004 finished in a three-way tie for the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal-scorer, sharing it with Jarome Iginla and Rick Nash. Internationally, Kovalchuk has played for the Russian national junior team in the World U18 Championship and World Junior Championship, and for the Russian national senior team in the World Championship, World Cup and Winter Olympics, winning the 2008 and 2009 World Championships. At his fifth Olympics in 2018, Kovalchuk was named the most valuable player while helping Olympic Athletes from Russia win the gold medal.

Did You Know?

Kovalchuk was born in Kalinin (now Tver), roughly 180 km northwest of Moscow.
He was named in honour of Ilya Muromets, a legendary figure from Kievan Rus'.
His father Valeri wrote a book titled 'From Tver to Atlanta' published in 2004.
Kovalchuk wore number 17 as a tribute to Soviet superstar Valeri Kharlamov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ilya Kovalchuk?

He is a retired Russian winger who played for New Jersey from 2010 to 2013 before leaving the NHL in 2019. Fans recognize him as an elite scorer who arrived via a high-profile trade.

How did he arrive in New Jersey?

The Devils acquired him on February 4, 2010, trading Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier, and a draft pick to Atlanta. This blockbuster deal immediately bolstered the team's offensive depth for the season.

What were his stats in his first game?

During a 4-3 win over Toronto on February 5, 2010, Kovalchuk contributed two assists in his debut match. He went on to record 85 total points that year split between Atlanta and New Jersey.