In a recent interview following a paddle tournament, former New Jersey Devil Ilya Kovalchuk revealed that his official retirement announcement will “be official soon.”
Kovalchuk spoke with Russian news outlet Sports-Express on August 4, 2025, where he was asked about Bob Hartley’s return to the KHL and Spartak’s upcoming prospects.
The interview was pretty standard until Kovalchuk was asked about retirement.
When asked if an official retirement statement was coming and whether he still had the desire to play, Kovalchuk said:
“I think it will be official soon. I have said many times that I am not preparing for the season as seriously as before. I have more free time so I can play paddle.”
The winger’s career began in 2001 when he was selected first overall by the Atlanta Thrashers. He played there until 2009, when the New Jersey Devils acquired him.
On July 19, 2010, Kovalchuk signed one of the most significant contracts in NHL history, a 17-year, $102 million deal that shook the league. The NHL rejected the initial version, ruling it violated the salary cap structure. A revised 15-year, $100 million contract was eventually approved.
He played four seasons in Newark before shocking the hockey world by leaving the NHL to join SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, walking away from 12 years and $77 million remaining on his deal with New Jersey.
12 Years Ago Today: Ilya Kovalchuk Announced His Retirement from the NHL On this day in 2013, New Jersey Devils right winger Ilya Kovalchuk announced his retirement from the NHL. At the time, Kovalchuk still had 12 years and $77 million remaining on his contract.
Kovalchuk un-retired from the NHL in 2018 and bounced around several teams to close out his career. In total, he played 926 NHL games and recorded 876 points (443 goals, 433 assists).
Had he fulfilled the original Devils contract, Kovalchuk would just now be reaching the end of that deal.
Instead, his career has taken a winding path, from the KHL to the NHL and now, seemingly, toward retirement. At the paddle tournament, he confirmed that the announcement is coming soon.
Similar to players like Vasily Koshechkin, who held farewell matches when ending their careers, Kovalchuk was asked how he envisioned saying goodbye to the game. He admitted he wasn’t quite sure:
“I have said many times that I don’t yet have a clear idea of how it should look, so when I have some thoughts, I will definitely do something interesting.”
After signing the NHL’s largest contract at the time, abruptly leaving the Devils, and returning to the league years later, it finally sounds like the end of a whirlwind career for Ilya Kovalchuk.
Photo Credit: © Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
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