Former First Overall Pick Officially Returns to Hockey After a Multi-Year Hiatus
The first overall pick in 2001, Ilya Kovalchuk, retired from professional hockey in 2020. However, he has now returned, and he clearly hasn't lost a step!
2001 First Overall Pick Ilya Kovalchuk Returns to Pro Hockey With Spartak Moskova of the KHL
The 40-year-old scored a goal, and won the game 5-2.
After one of the most controversial NHL careers of all time, where he signed one of the biggest contracts in league history, then proceeded to leave for Russia three years in, Kovalchuk is back. It's unlikely he has a long career ahead of him, but as long as his passion for the game is alive he'll have no problems.
Congrats Ilya on making your return!
As Read on Blade of Steel - Former first-overall pick, 13-year NHL veteran returns to professional hockey
| POLL | ||
DÉCEMBRE 25 | 126 ANSWERS Former First Overall Pick Officially Returns to Hockey After a Multi-Year Hiatus Do you think Kovalchuk will be a first-ballot hall-of-famer? | ||
| Yes | 29 | 23 % |
| No | 97 | 77 % |
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