Kovalchuk to SKA St. Petersburg

New Jersey Devils and Russian national team hockey player Ilya Kovalchuk has signed to play for SKA St. Petersburg of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League during the NHL lockout. However his contract does include an opt out clause in case the NHL locked ends he will be allowed to return to the Devils.

Several players have chosen to play oversears during the NHL lockout, but Kovalchuk is a headliner of a group of world class players who plan to play abroad. For Kovalchuk it is a return home to his native Russia. 

Last season with the New Jersey Devils Kovalchuk compiled 83 points on 37 goals and 46 assists. 

Kovalchuk's current contract with the New Jersey Devils was signed in 2010 and is worth $100 million over 15 years. 

So far joining Kovalchuk in joing the Russian league are fellow native Russians Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar who have agreed to play for Malkin's hometown team Metallurg.

Our travel brands include

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here.

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link.

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here. By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.