Alex Kovalev wants to play in NHL again at age 42
Alex Kovalev, the former Rangers and Penguins star, would like to come back and play in the NHL if a team is interested in him.
By
Chris Peters
•
1 min read
Alex Kovalev, perhaps one of the greatest stickhandlers the game has ever seen, feels like he has a little more left in the tank. Despite not playing in the NHL since a 14-game stint with the Florida Panthers in the 2012-13 season, the 42-year-old is willing to make a comeback if a team asks him.
A member of the 1,000-point club in the NHL, Kovalev expressed his interest in returning to the league in an interview with Journal de Montreal (H/T Puck Daddy on the translation from French):
Do you think you could have been playing a few more seasons in the National League?
"Yes, easily. That's why I keep myself in shape. Perhaps I will receive an invitation to next season. "
You still believe that?
“Of course. Why not? By cons, attitudes have changed much in the league. Everything is about the young players. Provided they get stronger and they are spinning rapidly, that's all that matters. There is no longer much room for creativity."
Well, that’s an interesting thought.
Let’s just say, I wouldn’t be waiting by the phone all summer if I were Kovalev. Based on the nature of his comments, he probably won’t be, but at least it’s out there now.
That said, there were few players in the game as electrifying (and at times, frustrating) as Kovalev could be. With all the skill in the world, he built an impressive career that lasted 1,316 games in the NHL. He posted 430 goals and 1,029 points during stints with the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and briefly, the Panthers.
Kovalev didn’t play in a league of any kind last season, stating that he’s been mostly playing 3-on-3 hockey in a men’s league. In 2013-14, Kovalev put up 52 points while playing for Visp in the Swiss second division.
He had five points in 14 games in his last appearance in the NHL with Florida.
When he was in his prime, though? Man…
It’s probably safe to say we’ve seen the last of the former great in the NHL, unless maybe he can find whatever fountain of youth Jaromir Jagr bathes in during the offseason.
