Ilya Kovalchuk
Ilya Kovalchuk, a prolific scoring left-winger,
is the first Russian hockey player in history to be
selected first overall in the NHL entry draft. The
top pick of the Atlanta Thrashers, Kovalchuk went on
to play eight seasons with the team, earning a
nomination for rookie-of-the-year (2001-2002) and a
Rocket Richard Trophy for the league's leading goal
scorer (2003-2004). Atlanta's number 17 (worn
in honor of Soviet hockey superstar Valeri Kharlamov),
also earned himself three trips to the NHL all-star
game (2004, 2008 and 2009). In 2010, after turning
down two lucrative contract offers from the
Thrashers (12 year/$101 million and 7 year/ $70
million respectively), Kovalchuk was traded to the
New Jersey Devils.
Ilya Kovalchuk Facts
Position: Left Wing Shoots: Right Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Weight: 230 lbs (104 kg) Date of Birth: April 15, 1983 Place of Birth: Tver, USSR NHL Entry Draft: 1st overall, 2001 Professional Hockey Teams
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