Ilya Kovalchuk reunites with Alexander Ovechkin for Cup run
Ilya Kovalchuk's heading to his friend Alex Ovechkin in Washington DC.
Ilya Kovalchuk
Ilya Kovalchuk is a Russian left winger who was the first Russian taken first overall in an NHL draft, by Atlanta in 2001. Kovalchuk played 926 NHL games for Atlanta, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Montreal and Washington, walked away from the NHL in July 2013 to sign with SKA Saint Petersburg, and came back to North America with the Kings in 2018. Kovalchuk retired as a player in March 2025 and was named president of KHL club Shanghai Dragons in April 2026.
| Position | Left wing |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 April 1983, Tver, Russia |
| Drafted | 1st overall, 2001, by Atlanta |
| NHL teams | Atlanta, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Montreal, Washington |
| NHL career | 926 GP, 443 G, 876 P |
| Honours | Rocket Richard Trophy 2004, shared; Gagarin Cup 2015, 2017 and 2021; Olympic gold and tournament MVP 2018; World Championship gold 2008 and 2009 |
| Known for | The July 2013 NHL retirement and move to SKA, the 2018 return with Los Angeles, and reaching the 2012 Final with New Jersey without winning it |
| Now | President of KHL club Shanghai Dragons, appointed April 2026 |
