The Russian men's hockey team heading to the 2022 Olympics will have Ilya Kovalchuk's mark all over it. Kovalchuk, 38, has been named the General Manager of the team and will work with the coaching staff to put together the roster competing at the Olympics over the next month or so.
Meanwhile, Russian media outlets are reporting that Kovalchuk has stated he will not sign a contract with any team in the KHL until the Olympics are over. Kovalchuk had been hoping for another return to the NHL for the 2021-22 season, but that did not materialize.
The team, which cannot officially compete as Team Russia due to sanctions from the International Olympic Committee, will be coached by Alexei Zhamnov (head coach). Sergei Gonchar, Sergei Fedorov, Evgeni Nabokov and Alexei Kudashov will serve as assistants.
This is an interesting appointment for Kovalchuk, who doesn't appear to be finished his playing career just yet. It remains to be seen whether it will lead to success for the Olympic Athletes of Russia at the men's hockey tournament.
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