Vyacheslav Kozlov: Kovalchuk will be able to play in the NHL at a high level for at least four years – NHL News – Ice Hockey

Last summer, Kovalchuk, 35, signed a three-year contract with Los Angeles. The last five seasons Russian striker spent in SKA St. Petersburg. Earlier Kovalchuk played for five years with Kozlov for Atlanta, after which he played for New Jersey.

"I know the abilities of Kovalchuk, he is a talented person and always wants to win and succeed.He often gets it.I have no doubt that he will have everything in the NHL. He's not yet reached the critical age, I think he'll be able to play at a high level in the NHL for at least four years, "Kozlov said. interlocutor of Kovalchuk. "Earlier, when I was playing, there were two or three clubs that fought for the Stanley Cup. Now, the number of these teams has increased dramatically, and it's very difficult to determine who's the favorite and who's going to win the Stanley Cup. I hope very much that Ilya will conquer this summit, "said Kozlov.

Kovalchuk joined the SKA twice in the Gagarin Cup (2015, 2017) .He won the Olympic Games in 2018 in Pyeongchang, and also won the world championships in 2008 and 2009 as part of the Russian national team.In the 2011/12 season, as part of New Jersey, he played in the Stanley Cup final, but the club lost to Los Angeles with a score of 2-4.