Former First Overall Pick Makes Shocking Christmas Day Announcement: His Career is Over

After being drafted first overall in 2001, playing for five NHL franchises, and winning a Rocket Richard, Ilya Kovalchuk's career is coming to an end.

Ilya Kovalchuk has flip-flopped in and out of retirement for years, but, in a new interview, he has officially determined that his professional career is likely over, as he has slowed down.

Last season, with Spartak Moskva of the KHL, Kovalchuk had a mere eight points in 20 games, a far cry from the player that held up a nearly point-per-game pace in the NHL for over 900 games.

He has accomplished all one could want in a career other than a Stanley Cup win, including two fifty-goal seasons, three all-star games, and a Gagarin Cup win (the KHL's championship trophy).

Many will remember Kovalchuk for the ridiculous contract he once signed with the New Jersey Devils. Had that 17 year long contract lasted, he'd still be on it for three more years.

Kovalchuk said that he would be open to a position in management earlier this year, and it is not impossible that the role is in North America.

Having played for the Atlanta Thrashers, a possible Atlanta expansion team could be a great landing spot for Kovalchuk to go in as an executive. Also having played for the New Jersey Devils, LA Kings, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals, Kovalchuk is no stranger to the North American market.

We will see what's next for the former first overall pick, but his accolades speak for themselves, and the hockey hall of fame should be calling in the not-so-distant future.

Congrats on an amazing career, Ilya!

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES