Nikolai Kovalenko #15 of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck ahead of Nicolas Hague #14 of the Vegas Golden Knights (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Nikolai Kovalenko’s journey in the NHL has been anything but ordinary. After beginning his North American career with the Colorado Avalanche, the young Russian forward faced challenges breaking into a deep lineup. This season, a trade to the San Jose Sharks has given him a new opportunity—one that comes with both greater responsibility and uncertainty as he plays for his next contract.
His father, Andrei Kovalenko, knows firsthand what it takes to succeed in the NHL. A former forward who played nearly 500 NHL games, he has been closely following Nikolai’s transition and shared exclusive insights on his son’s adjustment, his contract situation, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Adjusting to a New Team
Kovalenko’s move from Colorado to San Jose was both a relief and a challenge. He was eager for more ice time, but the transition to a struggling Sharks team meant different expectations and responsibilities.
“It’s good that there were a lot of strong players in Colorado, but it was tough for him to get much ice time,” said Kovalenko of his son in an RG interview. “He has something to prove, and with his contract expiring this summer, he needs to make an impression.”
In Colorado, the coaching staff worked closely with Nikolai to help him adapt to the North American style of play. While he showed flashes of skill, he often found himself in a reduced role as the team tightened its rotation during key moments. The move to San Jose gave him a fresh opportunity.
“In San Jose, he gets more playing time, which is a plus. The downside is that he won’t have a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup this season,” continued the elder Kovalenko.
“But we’ll see what happens. He’ll be a restricted free agent (RFA) this summer, so a new contract is on the horizon.”
Speculation has been swirling about whether Kovalenko might return to Russia, but for now, all options remain open. The family is weighing every possibility carefully
“I’ll be visiting him soon, and we’ll discuss his future,” said Andrei Kovalenko. “His agent and I have talked. Contract negotiations were supposed to take place during the break, but then he got injured. Both sides decided to wait until he finishes the season. We’re waiting for an offer from San Jose.”
The Controversial Podcast Statement
Earlier this season, Nikolai Kovalenko found himself in an unexpected situation when comments he made during a podcast were perceived negatively by the San Jose Sharks' coaching staff. The young forward had expressed frustration over his limited ice time and questioned certain coaching decisions, aiming to provide fans with an honest insight into his experiences. However, these remarks were interpreted as public criticism, leading to a brief period of tension within the team.
Reflecting on the incident, his father, Andrei Kovalenko, noted that such misunderstandings are not uncommon in professional sports. He emphasized the importance of direct communication between players and coaches to address concerns internally. Andrei acknowledged that while the media can serve as a platform for players to voice their opinions, the NHL typically discourages airing grievances publicly. He believes this experience has been a valuable lesson for Nikolai in navigating the complexities of professional relationships within the league.
“Misunderstandings happen all the time,” his father explained. “We had moments like that too. You need to communicate with the coach, and if that’s not possible, the media becomes the last resort. But in the NHL, it’s not common practice to discuss such things with the media. Nikolai realized this.”
In response to the situation, Nikolai made conscious efforts to adapt both his communication approach and playing style. Recognizing the need for greater discipline on the ice, he shifted towards making more strategic plays, reducing high-risk maneuvers that previously led to turnovers. This adjustment not only improved his performance but also demonstrated his commitment to aligning with the team's expectations and rebuilding trust with the coaching staff.
Thoughts on Macklin Celebrini
One of the biggest stories in San Jose this season has been the rise of young star Macklin Celebrini. While he has impressed with his dynamic play, Andrei Kovalenko believes there’s still room for growth.
“He’s a good player, but he’s young and makes a lot of mistakes. But in this team, he gets away with it,” explained Kovalenko. “He’s got great speed and a strong shot, but he still has a lot of work to do.”
According to Kovalenko, Celebrini sometimes tries to do too much on his own, a habit that can slow down his overall development.
“Sometimes, you have to make the simple play and trust your teammates. He wants to do everything himself. For example, Nathan MacKinnon creates more opportunities for his teammates than for himself. Right now, Celebrini isn’t generating chances for others the way he could.”
As Celebrini continues his rookie season, his ability to adapt and refine his approach will be pivotal. The Sharks' coaching staff and veteran players play a significant role in guiding him through this progression, aiming to harness his raw talent into consistent, team-oriented performance.
Keeping an Eye on Ivan Demidov
Beyond his son's career, Andrei Kovalenko has been closely monitoring the progress of Ivan Demidov, a promising Russian prospect selected fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
Demidov has garnered attention for his exceptional skills and hockey intelligence, making him one of the most anticipated talents in recent drafts.
Andrei, who played for the Canadiens in the 1995-96 season, is particularly impressed by Demidov's proactive efforts to integrate into the North American hockey environment. Learning French ahead of a potential move to Montreal signifies not only his dedication to personal development but also his respect for the cultural nuances of the region. Such initiatives are viewed positively and can facilitate a smoother transition both on and off the ice.
Recalling his own experiences, Andrei advises Demidov on the unique cultural landscape of Montreal, where hockey holds a revered status. He emphasizes that embracing the rich history and traditions of the Canadiens is crucial for any player joining the franchise. Demidov's awareness of this cultural significance, coupled with his linguistic preparations, showcases a level of maturity that bodes well for his future in the NHL.
“In Montreal, they love it when you praise the Canadiens. When I used to say I learned hockey in the best club in the world—CSKA—people looked at me strangely. You can’t do that there. For them, Montreal is hockey’s holy land. You have to truly appreciate and be proud of playing for that team.”
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
