Kovalchuk Drama Comes to an End

If there is one Russian who’s name you have heard more than Vladimir Putin, it’s probably Ilya Kovalchuk. Last few months he has been one of the if not most talked about Russian athletes.  Following endless statements from him and his agent and his team that he was supposed to leave according to himself  has (once again) made a decision.

Following the season closing ceremony in St.Petersburgh where team thanked fans with an on ice show Ilya Kovalchuk gathered quite a crowd around him in the media room.  He wasn’t really vocal but he said what he had to, finally clearing up all the rumors.

Kovalchuk:

I have a contract with SKA for one more season,  It will be a pleasure and I will be happy to represent them for the reminder of my contract.

When asked about him going to China he was quick and without thinking said:

China? What China? They don’t have a hockey team there just yet.

Former first overall pick  eyed a return to North America prior deadline after being suspended by SKA  and being stripped of captaincy during the first round of Gagarin Cup playoffs, played a total of 4 games in the post season, was rumoured to be packing his bags to join the KHL expansion team in Beijing,  sat in a seperate box from other teams healthy scratches, publicly shared his opinion about the team and it’s ownership, and it was a mutual disagrement.  None will ever understand why both sides are still together but let them be for the sake of our own enjoyment.

Kovalchuk played in 50 regular season games, recording 49 points (16G,33A) with a +/- at -3.  Averaging  21:16 minutes a game, which was 2^nd highest in the league only behind Matt Elisson among forwards  During the playoffs in 4 games he played, Kovalchuk didn’t score any points, earned two penalty minutes that led his team to a OT loss and a +/- at -3.