The KHLs leading point scorer will join the LA Kings for the 2018-19 season after agreeing to terms for a 3 year contract.
35 year old Kovalchuck appeared in 58 games with St. Petersburg, recording 63 points (32 goals, 31 assists) which led the KHL in points, second in goals, and fifth in assists. The last time he was in the NHL, he played for New Jersey Devils in 2012-13. Kovalchuck was originally drafted first overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2001 NHL Draft.
He appeared in 816 regular season games with the Devils and Thrashers, posting 816 career points. 417 career goals and 399 assists. He had two 50+ goal seasons, and went to 3 all star games during his time in the NHL.
Kovalchuck also tied for the Maurice Richard Trophy once and helped St. Petersburg reach the Western Conference Final as well last year, before falling short of the finals. During that run, he played in 15 games, recording 10 points (6 goals-4 assists).