Dmitry Yashankin, previously at the helm of Russia’s national physical education program, commented on the condition of hockey star Ilya Kovalchuk after his move to Moscow Spartak. The veteran coach spoke with Sports Express and underscored that Kovalchuk is in excellent form for a player who has spent time away from the rink. He noted that Kovalchuk’s current working weight settles around 103 to 104 kilograms, a figure that places him well within the athletic range expected of a top-tier forward. According to Yashankin, Kovalchuk exhibits physical attributes that compete with many younger athletes, and every aspect of his conditioning discipline appears to be in pristine order. The coach predicted a strong return to ice play, suggesting that a visible on-ice presence would quickly follow the off-ice preparation.
At 40 years old, Kovalchuk has not taken the ice in competitive action for two seasons, yet he has chosen to extend his professional career to contribute to Spartak Moscow, where he has taken on the role of a student and a contributor. The forward, who previously represented Russia at the highest level and wore the red-and-white jersey with pride, began his professional journey in North America with the Atlanta Thrashers, who selected him as the top pick in the NHL Draft. The agreement with Spartak ties him to the club through the current season, with a reported salary of 15 million rubles as compensation for his services until season’s end. This arrangement signals a deliberate bid by Spartak to leverage Kovalchuk’s experience and skill to energize the team and inspire younger players along the way.
One coach familiar with Kovalchuk emphasized the key trait that has defined his career: an exceptional work ethic combined with a competitive spirit that never wanes. That stance has helped him navigate the pressures of both domestic leagues and the NHL, and it remains a central element of his readiness for a new chapter with Spartak. The player’s decision to return to Russian hockey reflects a broader trend of seasoned veterans re-entering high-level competition to mentor teammates, raise team standards, and maintain a high tempo on the ice. As the season progresses, observers in Canada and the United States, along with fans across the hockey world, will be watching how Kovalchuk blends his veteran insight with Spartak’s evolving strategy, and how his presence translates into impact on both performance metrics and locker room dynamics.