Former Washington Capitals forward Ilya Kovalchuk took last season off from his playing career so that he could manage the Russian Hockey Federation’s (FHR) national team for the 2022 Olympics. Kovalchuk’ contract with the RHF has now come to an end, but the 39-year-old says that his playing career has not.
“My contract with the FHR has ended, so I am no longer the general manager of the Russian national team. I think changes will be announced after the presidential elections in the federation. The fact that I wanted to run for president of the FHR is a rumor. While I still need to gain experience to go to the polls. I have plans to relax and spend time with children. Summer ahead,” said Kovalchuk.
“Of course, I’m not finishing my playing career yet. Will I consider proposals from the KHL and America in the summer? We must first get ourselves in shape, otherwise I gained a little in a month, I ate well. Soon I will start training,” Kovalchuk told Sport 24.
Kovalchuk’s last played for Avangard in the KHL. He left the club in 2021 to take the position as general manager of the Russian National team. He last played in the NHL for the Washington Capitals in the 2019-20 season.
By Jon Sorensen
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39 and still wants to play. Props.
This POS screwed 2 NHL teams (especially the Devils) and should never be allowed back in the NHL in any capacity. Stay in Russia to be closer to your family you baby. That’s what you wanted, right?