Last week, rumours surfaced about Ilya Kovalchuk and a possible retirement. However, it seems that this batch of speculation came from some journalists and not from the 38-year-old Russian forward. According to the latest reports on the matter, "Kovy" said on Match TV that it was too early to retire, that he still had powder in the gun and was preparing (training) accordingly.
"It's too early to end my career. And so I still have powder in the barrel. Therefore, I am preparing, training!" -Ilya Kovalchuk
Last season, Kovalchuk was a member of the Omsk Avangard team and won the Gagarin Cup with them under the guidance of Bob Hartley. We all know about the close relationship between the two men, who spent several seasons together with the now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers. With that KHL franchise, Kovalchuk had 17 points in 16 regular games and nine in 24 playoff games.
Kovalchuk has 876 points, including 443 goals, in 926 games in the NHL. During his career in America, he played for the Thrashers, Devils, Kings, Canadiens and Capitals. During his brief 22-game stint with the Habs, Kovalchuk charmed all Quebec fans with his skill and work ethic. In short, the Russian seems eager to continue his long career.
