1
He was the first Russian player in NHL history to be drafted first overall.
15 Interesting Facts About Ilya Kovalchuk
A dynamic and explosive goal-scorer, Ilya Kovalchuk was the first Russian player drafted first overall in NHL history and went on to achieve legendary status in both the NHL and KHL.
Position
Left wing
Jersey
#17
Status
Retired
Teams
10
Facts
15
2
He won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2004, sharing the honor in a three-way tie with Jarome Iginla and Rick Nash.
3
He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2018 Winter Olympics while playing for the Olympic Athletes from Russia.
4
He wore the jersey number 17 throughout his career as a tribute to Soviet hockey legend Valeri Kharlamov.
5
He signed a massive 15-year, $100 million contract with the New Jersey Devils in 2010 after an initial 17-year deal was blocked by the NHL.
6
He won three Gagarin Cups during his career, two with SKA Saint Petersburg and one with Avangard Omsk.
7
He scored the game-winning goal in overtime during the 2008 World Championship gold medal game against Canada to secure the title for his country.
8
He is tied for fourth all-time in NHL history for regular-season overtime goals with 15.
9
He was accused by Nashville Predators head coach Barry Trotz of playing with an illegal stick and switching it before referees could check.
10
He set NHL single-season records during the 2011-12 season for both shootout goals and game-deciding shootout goals.
11
He was named the captain of SKA Saint Petersburg immediately upon signing with them during the 2012-13 NHL lockout.
12
He refused to accept the 2015 Gagarin Cup playoffs MVP award, choosing instead to pass it to teammate Evgenii Dadonov.
13
His father wrote a book about his development as a hockey player titled "From Tver to Atlanta," which was published in 2004.
14
He was named in honor of Ilya Muromets, a legendary folk hero from Kievan Rus', because he was born big.
15
He recorded his first career Gordie Howe hat trick on February 4, 2012, which was exactly the second anniversary of his trade to the Devils.
About Ilya Kovalchuk
Ilya Kovalchuk was an elite Russian winger celebrated for his lethal shot and prolific goal-scoring prowess. Drafted first overall in 2001, he became a dominant force in the NHL with Atlanta and New Jersey before returning to Russia to capture multiple Gagarin Cups and international gold medals.
Career Achievements & Milestones
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Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy
2003-04
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Olympic Gold Medalist
2018
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Gagarin Cup Champion
2014-15
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World Championship Gold Medalist
2008
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Ilya Kovalchuk.
Player Info
Country: Russia
Position: Left wing
Jersey #: 17
Status: Retired
Age: 43 years old
Physical Stats
Height: 6' 3" (191 cm)
Weight: 227 lbs (103 kg)
Born: Kalinin, Soviet Union
Career Stats
Seasons: 23
Goals: 443
Assists: 433
Points: 876
Teams: 10
Drafted: 2001
Round: 1st
Teams & Career
Spartak Moscow Atlanta Thrashers Ak Bars Kazan Khimik Moscow Oblast New Jersey Devils SKA Saint Petersburg Los Angeles Kings Montreal Canadiens Washington Capitals Avangard Omsk
Ilya Kovalchuk played for 10 different teams during his 23 seasons career. He was originally drafted 1st overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2001.