Hockey

“Demidov Will Do Well in Montreal”: Kovalchuk on Demidov & Michkov, Trade Deadline Surprises, and the Jets’ Playoff Push

Published: Mar 16, 2025, 11:30 AM
1 min read
Updated: Jul 24, 2025, 10:46 AM
Fact checked by:
Marco D'Amico
Ilya Kovalchuk discusses shocking trade deadline moves, rising Russian stars Demidov and Michkov, and Winnipeg Jets’ playoff hopes

Ilya Kovalchuk discusses shocking trade deadline moves, rising Russian stars Demidov and Michkov, and Winnipeg Jets’ playoff hopes (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Ilya Kovalchuk, a name synonymous with elite hockey talent, officially announced his retirement earlier this week. This decision marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, including significant contributions in both the NHL and the KHL.

Kovalchuk's journey began with the Atlanta Thrashers, where he was selected first overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, making history as the first Russian to be drafted at that position. His tenure in the NHL was highlighted by multiple All-Star appearances and a Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2004.​

After a brief return to the NHL with teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, and Washington Capitals, Kovalchuk found success in the KHL, notably winning the Gagarin Cup with Avangard Omsk in 2021. His final professional stint was with Spartak Moscow, the club where his career initially took flight. Following his retirement, Kovalchuk has remained deeply connected to the sport, offering insights and guidance to emerging talents and commenting on current NHL dynamics.

He took some time to talk to RG in an exclusive interview to share his insights on some of the biggest topics in the NHL today.

Advice for Ivan Demidov in Montreal

One of the most exciting young Russian prospects, Ivan Demidov, is set to make his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens next season. Kovalchuk recently met him after a Dynamo-SKA game and was impressed.

“He’s a great guy—bright, hardworking, and truly passionate about hockey. I’ve heard he puts in a lot of extra work, which is fantastic. He’s already standing out in the KHL, and I’m confident he’ll do well in Montreal.”

He further emphasized the unique challenges of playing in Montreal, a city where hockey is deeply ingrained in its culture. Kovalchuk advised Demidov to be prepared for the intense scrutiny that comes with the territory

“He needs to be ready for the reality of playing in a city where hockey is like a religion. Every move he makes will be scrutinized by management and the media,” continued Kovalchuk.

Understanding the nuances of Montreal's passionate fanbase and media landscape, Kovalchuk also commended Demidov for taking proactive steps to integrate into the community.

“The key is to not be shy and speak their language. It goes a long way in a market like Montreal,” concluded Kovalchuk.

Weird Trade Deadline

The NHL trade deadline often brings unexpected shifts, and this season was no exception. One of the most talked-about moves was Brad Marchand's departure from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers. Kovalchuk viewed this as a strategic decision, commenting,

“It was an unusual move, especially between divisional rivals, but I’m sure both Marchand and the team discussed it in detail. I think he made the right choice,” said Kovalchuk.

He further analyzed Marchand's fit with the Panthers, pointing to the team's strong system and recent acquisitions, such as defenseman Seth Jones, as indicators of their championship aspirations.

“Florida is one of the top teams in the NHL right now, playing a strong system where he’ll fit in well. Plus, they also acquired Seth Jones from Chicago, which clearly shows they’re looking to repeat as Stanley Cup champions,” added the former Rocket Richard winner.

In the same light, few expected Colorado to part ways with star forward Mikko Rantanen, let alone see him traded twice in one season. Kovalchuk believes it was a shock to the player as well.

“This is the business of hockey. He was probably stunned to be moved from Colorado, where he won a Stanley Cup and played alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin,” said Kovalchuk.

Even with the NHL being an unforgiving business environment, where players are traded for minute differences in contract demands or team vision, “Kovy” was floored to see the Avalanche move on from their home-grown star.

“I was surprised they couldn’t reach an agreement. The situation with Carolina was strange too, but it’s hard to judge from the outside,” added Kovalchuk.

Winnipeg Jets: A Rising Contender?

Turning attention to the Winnipeg Jets, Kovalchuk acknowledged the team's significant progress in recent years. He noted changes in management and roster composition that have transformed the Jets from basement dwellers when they were the Atlanta Thrashers to a formidable presence in the Western Conference.

“Management has changed, and players actually want to go there now. The atmosphere at their arena is incredible,” he observed.

But, as Kovalchuk will tell you, regular-season success really doesn’t mean much until you’re able to win playoff rounds and go on a deep run.

“They’ve been a strong regular-season team for years, but something always holds them back in the playoffs,” added Kovalchuk.

But, this time around, Kovalchuk believes the Jets are built differently and have all the necessary pieces required to not only do some damage in the playoffs, but potentially go all the way to the Finals.

“Now, they’ve got an elite goalie, a deep top-nine forward group, and a strong power play. This isn’t the old Atlanta Thrashers franchise anymore—it’s a whole new identity.”

Matvei Michkov’s Development

Young Russian forward Matvei Michkov has been under the spotlight, facing both high expectations and significant pressure. Kovalchuk addressed the challenges Michkov encounters, acknowledging the potential impact on his confidence.

“If he can withstand the pressure from his coach, he’ll be fine. But it’s not easy. That kind of stress can break a player’s confidence,” said Kovalchuk, who had to play under some rather firm coaching personalities in his career.

However, Kovalchuk also recognized the positive aspects of Michkov's situation, noting the guidance he receives and his role on the team.

“Fortunately, he has Oleg Znarok to guide him. Despite the obstacles, Michkov is playing great hockey,” added Kovalchuk. “He’s trusted with first-unit power play minutes, which is a great sign.”

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ Wasted Window?

The Pittsburgh Penguins, led by veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, have experienced a mix of successes and challenges in recent seasons. Kovalchuk expressed surprise over the team's struggles, especially given the continued high-level performance of its star players.

“It’s strange that management hasn’t built a stronger team around Crosby and Malkin. Crosby is still carrying the team, scoring, making plays—he’s an incredible professional,” noted Kovalchuk.

In his estimation, all blame should be pointed to GM Kyle Dubas, who has done very little to improve the club in any tangible way, despite Crosby and Malkin’s getting up there in age.

“They’ve had constant issues with goaltending and depth. They seem to prioritize smaller, skilled players, but in today’s game, size matters,” concluded Kovalchuk on Kyle Dubas’ struggles as general manager in Pittsburgh.

​Kovalchuk's retirement marks the end of an era for a player whose impact spanned continents and generations. From his explosive start with the Atlanta Thrashers to his championship triumphs in the KHL, Kovalchuk's journey reflects a deep passion for hockey and an unwavering commitment to his roots.

As he transitions from the ice to new endeavors, fans and colleagues alike will remember him not just for his on-ice achievements but also for his candid insights and genuine love for the game.

Head of News Department
Sergey Demidov is Head of News at RG.org and has covered global sports since 2007. His work spans the Olympics, FIFA World Cups, IOC events, and Stanley Cup Finals. A former sports department deputy chief editor at Gazeta.Ru and TASS News Agency, and current senior editor at NHL.com/ru, Sergey has interviewed stars like Alex Ovechkin and Jaromir Jagr, former WADA and FIFA presidents Craig Reedy and Sepp Blatter, and coaches like Fabio Capello. He specializes in hockey and publishes in English and Russian.
Interests:
NHL
EPL
FIFA
UCL
NFL
NBA
BWF
Hiking
Reading
Movies
Food

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Hockey
Interview
Beckett Sennecke Trusting Ducks’ Plan For His NHL Journey

Beckett Sennecke is coming off a dominant season and says he’s open to whatever path the Anaheim Ducks believe is best for his NHL development.

7
07/26/2025
Andrew Knoll
Andrew Knoll
Beckett Sennecke Trusting Ducks’ Plan For His NHL Journey
Hockey
Interview
Ivan Prosvetov Eyes Flames’ Starting Role, Ready For McDavid

Returning NHL goalie Ivan Prosvetov joins the Calgary Flames on a one-year deal, determined to secure the starter’s job and face star Connor McDavid.

6
07/23/2025
Sergey Demidov
Sergey Demidov
Ivan Prosvetov Eyes Flames’ Starting Role, Ready For McDavid
Hockey
Interview
Jeff Gorton, Canadiens See Serious Value in Their Goaltending

Jeff Gorton sat down with RG in an exclusive interview and discussed the present and future states of his team’s goaltending.

8
07/20/2025
James Murphy
James Murphy
Jeff Gorton, Canadiens See Serious Value in Their Goaltending
Hockey
Interview
Source: McKenna Sweepstakes Expected to Spur Earlier NHL Trade Activity

Parity stalled trades this summer, but the 2026 McKenna sweepstakes may spark early NHL sell-offs by U.S. Thanksgiving, sources say.

12
07/19/2025
Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico
Source: McKenna Sweepstakes Expected to Spur Earlier NHL Trade Activity
Prev
...
Next

Hockey Writers

James Murphy
James Murphy
NHL Reporter

James Murphy is a veteran sports journalist covering the NHL, NCAA and CHL hockey for RG.

With 25 years of experience covering the Bruins, the NHL, NCAA, CHL and more, Murphy has seen it all when it comes to hockey. His hockey black book is filled with Hall of Famers, current players, coaches, management, scouts and a diverse array of hockey media personalities who have lived and worked in and around the game. Murphy also currently co-hosts The Eye Test podcast with Pierre McGuire and, along with McGuire, interviews NHL owners and executives, as well as NHL and NCAA head coaches and players daily.

The Arlington, Massachusetts, native began his writing career in hockey in 2001, when the Boston Bruins raised one of his childhood idols, Ray Bourque’s No. 77, to the rafters before their 2001–02 season opener. For 22 of his 25 years as a hockey reporter, Murphy covered the Bruins daily, including their victorious 2011 Stanley Cup run and their runs to the 2013 and 2019 Finals, multiple NHL drafts and countless Stanley Cup playoffs. He did all that for the Boston Metro, NHL.com, NESN.com and ESPN Boston.

In addition to his print work covering the Bruins, Murphy also made regular TV appearances on NESN, Fox 25 Boston, ESPN and NHL Network. From 2008 to 2012, Murphy hosted The Hockey Primetime Show on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio and made numerous appearances on national and international radio shows.

Ironically, his three years not covering the Bruins were spent covering their archrivals, the Montreal Canadiens. From 2012 to 2015, Murphy was based in Montreal and covered the Canadiens for NHL.com and TSN.ca. He also appeared regularly on TSN 690 radio and CTV.

Murphy returned to Boston in 2015 and left the media business to work in sales and marketing for LiveBarn, a Montreal-based sports streaming company, for four years. In 2019, Murphy once again became a Bruins beat reporter, this time writing for Boston Hockey Now. He spent four seasons working for BHN before arriving at RG in 2024 and also dedicated more time to The Eye Test podcast.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.