Ilya Kovalchuk is Leaving the NHL

According to multiple reports, Ilya Kovalchuk is once again leaving the NHL and making his way back to play in his homeland of Russia in the KHL.

Ilya Kovalchuk’s run in the NHL appears to have ended. Per his agent - he’s set to sign with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, that is coached by Bob Hartley.

— Aivis Kalniņš (@aiviskalnins) December 18, 2020

Kovalchuk chatted with several teams this offseason including Montreal, Pittsburgh, Anaheim, Washington, and Colorado but could not come to terms on a contract. The 37-year-old sniper played last season between Los Angeles, Montreal and Washington and finished the year with 10 goals in 46 games.

Sure, his best days are behind him, but Kovalchuk was hoping to catch on to a team looking for a veteran on their 2nd power-play. 

Earlier this week, Kovalchuk foreshadowed his move by putting up his New Jersey mansion for sale. 

Hockey Star Ilya Kovalchuk Lists Palatial Home in Alpine, NJ for $18M https://t.co/iox2aQr4UI

— Palinterest (@palinterest) December 15, 2020

While you can never say never, especially with 'Kovy', this appears to be the end of his NHL career. 926 games, 443 goals, 876 points. What a career!

Photo credit: Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire