Former all-star Ilya Kovalchuk returns to NHL with the Los Angeles Kings

iStock/Thinkstock(LOS ANGELES) — Former NHL all-star Ilya Kovalchuk, who left the league to play professionally in Russia, has agreed to join the Los Angeles Kings on a three-year deal, according to ESPN.

ESPN adds that Kovalchuk will receive $6.25 annually on the deal.

Kovalchuk left the NHL in 2013 to play for SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Kovalchuk’s services were in high demand upon announcing his interest in returning to the NHL. He led the KHL in points last year, according to ESPN, and was a top goal-scorer during his first 11 seasons in the NHL. He additionally was named MVP at the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang.

Vice president and general manager Rob Blake said in a statement “We are excited to add Ilya to the LA Kings organization. He gives us an added element of skill and scoring along with a desire to win. We will withhold further comment until July 1.”

Copyright © 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print