Ilya Kovalchuk is reportedly set to become a pro hockey executive

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TJ Tucker
April 7, 2024 (6:32 PM)

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Former NHLer and controversial player Ilya Kovalchuk has reportedly been offered a position with a professional hockey team to serve as their new general manager.

Sport-express.ru says Kovalchuk, who was still playing in the KHL playoffs with Spartak until just a few days ago, is set to become the team's new general manager after he officially announces his retirement from playing.

"[Spartak is] considering offering the hockey player the position he held with the Russian national team during the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. At that time, he worked in conjunction with head coach Alexei Zhamnov."

Kovalchuk, who turns 41 this month, took a break from playing in the KHL when he took the position with the Russian national team. He returned to the league this season, signing a deal with Spartak in Dec. 2023 for the rest of the season. Kovalchuk played 20 regular season games in total, scoring 4 goals and 4 assists. He played another 5 for the team in the playoffs but failed to hit the scoresheet. Despite Kovalchuk's legendary status in his home country, he sat as a healthy scratch during the regular and post season for Spartak this year.

Ilya Kovalchuk played 926 regular season games in the NHL scoring 443 goals and 876 points. Kovalchuk returned home to play in his prime with 12 years and $77 million dollars left on his contract with the New Jersey Devils. That contract was initially for 17 years and $102 million dollars, but was reduced to 15 years and $100 million after the Devils were told the initial offer circumvented the NHL's salary. Kovalchuk's contract would become the catalyst for new rules on NHL deals going forward.

After four years at home, Kovalchuk attempted an NHL comeback, and spent parts of two seasons playing with the LA Kings, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals. He left the NHL again in 2020 after not being able to find a team to sign him.