After a lengthy absence, Russian forward Ilya Kovalchuk appears to be heading back to the NHL.
The 35-year-old left the New Jersey Devils in 2013 for the KHL’s St. Petersbursburg SKA where he played the past two seasons with former NHL superstar Pavel Datsyuk. Kovalchuk has expressed interest in making a return to North America and one team has already approached him. According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton insisted the team has “checked in with him”.
At a relatively old age, Kovalchuk has proven he’s still an effective player. This past February he led Russia to a Gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics while also capturing the tournament’s most valuable player award, picking up 5 goals and 2 assists through seven games.
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Kovalchuk will officially become a free agent on July 1 and is sure to garner some interest on the market. The Toronto Maple Leafs have also reportedly expressed interest in the winger, along with the St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, and others.
Already on his back nine, Kovalchuk will do everything in his power to add a Stanley Cup to his impressive trophy case. An NHL championship would induct him into hockey’s illustrious triple gold club, and he’s insisted he wants to return for at least a few more years.
It will be interesting to see where he chooses to go come summer time.
(H/T Larry Brooks)
