Ilya Kovalchuk Signs Two-Year Deal

As we reported last week, Ilya Kovalchuk has made his way back to Russia and will continue his hockey career back in his native land.

Now it is official, F Ilya Kovalchuk has signed with Avangard Omsk for the remainder of the season. He has an option to sign for 2021-22. Welcome back to #KHL. #NHL #hockeytwitter https://t.co/Cpwrp3pxuA
— KHL DIARIES (@vorkywh24) December 26, 2020

The 37-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Avangard Omsk, which was announced on Saturday.

Last season the veteran sniper had the rare tri-fecta, playing for the Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals. The Canadiens acquired Kovalchuk for their playoff push, which before the pandemic's change to the format, was over, hence the further trade to the Capitals.

The one-time dominant sniper played 926 career games in the NHL, scoring 443 goals and collecting 876 points. Being 37, and signing a two-year deal, it does look like Kovalchuk's NHL career is over.

Photo credit: Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire