Spartak Moscow’s head coach, Alexei Zhamnov, shed light on why star forward Ilya Kovalchuk was not rolled out for the matchup against Dinamo Minsk. The coach’s remarks were reported by TASS.
According to Zhamnov, Kovalchuk is dealing with a minor injury. It is not serious, he explained, but the decision was made to spare him from travel and additional strain. The forward has undergone a series of medical procedures and physical therapy in Moscow and is expected to return to action soon. Zhamnov emphasized that the choice was made to avoid pushing the player too soon, noting that recovery comes first and that timing will align with Kovalchuk’s readiness (TASS).
Earlier in the week, Spartak claimed a 4-1 victory over Minsk as part of the Kontinental Hockey League regular season. The goals came from Maxim Tsyplakov, Mikhail Maltsev, Pavel Poryadin, and Shane Prince, contributing to the team’s strong performance at home.
Kovalchuk signed with Spartak in December 2023, marking a return to the club he once represented from 1999 to 2001. During his first stint with Spartak, he celebrated the Major League championship with the team, reinforcing his status as a veteran presence in the locker room.
Earlier in his career, Kovalchuk accumulated multiple Gagarin Cup titles with Avangard Omsk, including a dominant run in 2021 that led him to temporarily suspend his playing career. His experience spans major leagues across different teams, contributing to his reputation as a prolific scorer and a leader who can influence big games.
On the international stage, Kovalchuk has spent time in the National Hockey League with franchises such as the Atlanta Thrashers, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, and Montreal Canadiens, showcasing the breadth of his career across North American hockey. His journey reflects a player who has navigated high levels of competition and sustained a lengthy professional arc.
In other league notes, there has been talk about Kovalchuk’s performance in prior KHL seasons, including notable scoring efforts against Lokomotiv and Torpedo teams. While those matchups highlighted his offensive instincts, the current focus remains on his rehabilitation and eventual return to Spartak’s lineup as soon as he is fit to play (TASS).