Ilya Kovalchuk‘s name seems to swirl around the rumor mill every offseason since he “retired” from the NHL in July of 2013. Kovalchuk technically retired, but he went on to play in the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia. This was retirement in name only and the Columbus Blue Jackets are pursuing the winger.
Kovalchuk’s name swirling is nothing new, but this time it seems more likely that he will return to the NHL. The reason could be the uncertainty financially in the KHL or because he wants to play with the best players in the world.