Alexei Zhamnov, head coach of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) club “Spartak”, commented on the possible arrival of the former player of the National Hockey League (NHL) clubs Ilya Kovalchuk to the team, and the team needs such a hockey player, according to reports “Match TV”.
“I think there is a need for such a mentor, of course. This is not even discussed. Ilya has extensive experience and authority. Of course, such players are needed. But that depends on Kovalchuk himself,” Zhamnov said.
Kovalchuk is currently taking a break from his professional career and is devoting all his attention to his family. He has four children.
Kovalchuk is an Olympic champion and two-time world champion in hockey. He made his debut for the national team in 2002 at the Salt Lake City Olympics. In 2021, he won the Gagarin Cup three times as part of Omsk Avangard and decided to suspend his activities as a player. At the moment, Kovalchuk has not announced his retirement.
Formerly Spartak player Alexander Burmistrov I guessed the probability Kovalchuk’s return to hockey.