Ilya Kovalchuk returns to NHL for 2021-22

BREAKING NEWS

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 2 years ago
Ilya Kovalchuk returns to NHL for 2021-22
Zuma Press

Earlier on Friday, it was announced that the Omsk Avangard of the Kontinental Hockey League and veteran forward Ilya Kovalchuk have mutually agreed to terminate his contract. 

This has prompted several rumours that the 38-year-old forward might be looking for another comeback in the National Hockey League and finally, reporter Andrew Zadarnowski confirms that Kovy expects to return to the NHL for 2021-22. 

“Avangard mentions that the reason they agreed to terminate the contract was that Kovalchuk was planning to return to the NHL next season.
It doesn’t specify whether he already has an offer, or if he just wants to be free of commitment in order to explore his options.”


In December 2019, his deal with the Los Angeles Kings was terminated and the veteran forward found the perfect fit with the Montreal Canadiens on a league minimum, $700,000 contract. We however didn’t get to see much after he was traded to the Washington Capitals at the 2020 trade deadline. He put up four points in seven games before COVID shut down the season and struggled - as the rest of the Caps did - in the qualifying round of the NHL’s Return to Play plan. It was then reported that the Habs were once again interest in Kovalchuk and might have talked about an offer with him - but it did not get done. 

Maybe this summer, he will find the right fit and get back to the NHL as he intends to do. 

With the draft expansion coming up and the Seattle Kraken coming to the league, some pundits are wondering if Kovalchuk will attempt to convince the 32nd NHL team. 

Where do you see him play next season? 

Source: Twitter