Peter Regin #43, Jonathan Cheechoo #41, Matt Carkner #39, Alex Kovalev #27, Chris Neil #25 and Anton Volchenkov #24 of the Ottawa Senators (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)
Alex Kovalev, one of hockey's most skilled and enigmatic players, carved out a remarkable 20-year career in the NHL. Drafted 15th overall by the New York Rangers in 1991, Kovalev quickly became known for his dazzling puck-handling and offensive creativity. His crowning achievement came in 1994 when he played a pivotal role in helping the Rangers end their 54-year Stanley Cup drought, contributing 21 points during that historic playoff run.
Kovalev went on to become a fan favorite for his electrifying style with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, and other teams, amassing over 1,000 points in 1,316 NHL games. A rare combination of artistry and power, Kovalev remains one of the most celebrated Russian players in hockey history.
Rangers Turnaround Imminent?
In following his former club, the New York Rangers, this season, Kovalev came to the same conclusion as GM Chris Drury: change was needed.
Ultimately, Kovalev, who is rooting for the Rangers to get back in the playoff hunt, felt that trading former captain Jacob Trouba was inevitable, as the team desperately needed to reallocate money to improve their defense.
“I wasn't surprised. If the Rangers want to win the Stanley Cup, they need to strengthen their defense,” said Kovalev of the Trouba trade in an exclusive interview with RG. “Their offense is fine, but their defense needs to be improved. I was surprised they didn't get anything significant in return except for a lighter payroll.”
But Kovalev also cautioned the Rangers against making too many rash changes in one swoop; suggesting that, they should be adding to their roster with all the money they’ve just freed up.
“I heard the news that Chris Kreider might be traded. If that's true, he could be worth something. But you can't get rid of a player like that. They need to focus on strengthening their defense."
The Rangers have all the offensive firepower they’ll likely need up front, but for them to claw their way back to the playoffs this season, they’re going to have to rebalance their lineup. According to Kovalev, it’s make or break for GM Chris Drury.
“It will depend on the second half of the season. A lot can still change. They are clearly not finished with the trades yet,” said Kovalev. “Chris Drury's management ability is going to be put to the test now. Properly balancing the offense shouldn’t require them to sacrifice a big piece for the sake of another. Now that they have the offense and a world-class goalie, they need to work on the defense.”
After trading their captain to the Anaheim Ducks, the Rangers are without an appointed leader in the dressing room. A captain-less team has never marched their way to a Stanley Cup victory in the modern era of the NHL; and Kovalev believes there’s already an ideal candidate it the Rangers’ dressing room right now in Artemi Panarin.”
“Panarin has all the abilities for this. He is a leader,” said Kovalev of his fellow countryman. “I don't know how he behaves in the locker room, but on the ice, he is an absolute leader. This is the main thing—you need to go out on the ice and lead your teammates by example.”
But, for Kovalev, the real backbone of the team is actually in goal.
Shesterkin Better Than Price?
If the Rangers are going to do some damage in the playoffs, or even qualify for the playoffs at this rate; they’ll need their franchise player to stand on his head.
After signing Shesterkin to an 8-year deal earlier this month, Kovalev feels that his success is well-deserved, and he and the team can now focus on getting back in the Cup hunt.
“I am happy for him. He left Russia at the right time and has proven himself well in the NHL,” said Kovalev.
Kovalev knows a thing or two about playing in front of an elite goalie; having spent some time watching the early career of Carey Price with the Montreal Canadiens.
In Kovalev’s estimation, despite Carey Price’s legendary status in Montreal and in Canada; Shesterkin
He became the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, overtaking Carey Price’s 10.5M marker set a little over 7 years ago. The two have been compared in the past, due to being can’t-miss, franchise goalies, but Kovalev gives the edge to Shesterkin overall.
“Shesterkin is better. He reads the game better,” admitted Kovalev.
“Price is a good goalie, but they have different styles. Price was successful due to his size and the right choice of position. Shesterkin fights for every puck, including rebounds. He never gives up. He reads the game well, for example, when there is a pass from one side to the other. Price lacked this. In such cases, Price relied on the defensemen, but Shesterkin always relies on himself.”
But Kovalev was quick to point out that Price was a special player in his own right; often carrying the Montreal Canadiens on his back. He believes, for these reasons, that Carey Price will quickly find himself in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
“He was quiet, and you didn't hear much from him,” said Kovalev. “However, he did a lot for Montreal. He was still young when I was there, but he did a lot for the team. He'll probably be in the Hall of Fame”
The Rise of Martin Necas
When looking across the NHL, there is perhaps no better feel-good story than that of Martin Necas; who, just a few months ago, was in every trade rumor imaginable. It’s no secret that the Carolina Hurricanes had trade talks with numerous teams regarding Necas, but ultimately chose to sign him to a two-year contract.
Since then, Necas has been a completely different player, leading the Hurricanes in scoring with 14 goals and 44 points in just 31 games.
Kovalev has been very familiar with Necas in the past, training with the shifty forward for the last few summers. The former NHL veteran believes that something has clicked in Necas.
“We decided not to work with him this year. Usually, I work with players for two or three years, and then there's nothing else to do. If they're interested, they do what we've studied. It's not easy to change at that age anyway. Martin decided to rely on himself, to believe in his game, and it's been good for him. He does many things with less energy now. He's an active player overall. But the most important thing is that he enjoys this kind of game. He knows where to be, how to act, and makes the right decisions.
Kovalev has had the pleasure of playing with some of the best Czech players in history during his time in New York, Pittsburgh and Montreal. Having played on lines with many of them, Kovalev talks about the process for them and how they’ve evolved in the NHL over the years.
The best of the bunch is undoubtedly Jaromir Jagr, who Kovalev had the chance to play with in Pittsburgh. According to Kovalev, Necas has the potential to be one of the greatest Czech players of all time, but still isn’t on the same level as his former teammate.
“They have different potential. Moreover, the rules have changed a lot. If Jagr played like he did in his prime, no one could handle him now,” said Kovalev. “Necas uses speed and maneuverability, and he has a great shot. Jagr is very strong physically. He easily covers the puck and can beat two or three players on the spot. Necas can do that, too, but it's not his game. He plays a more open style of hockey, while Jagr plays in confined spaces.”
Sergey Demidov
