He and then-teammates Sergei Zubov, Sergei Nemchinov, and Alexander Karpovtsev became the first Russians to win the Stanley Cup, with the New York Rangers in 1994.
Was drafted in the first round (15th overall) of the 1991 NHL entry draft by the New York Rangers, becoming the first Russian player ever drafted in the first round.
Has two sons, Ivan and Nikita.
Replaces Saku Koivu as the captain of the Montreal Canadiens while Koivu is injured. (January 2008)
Announced retirement from professional hockey. Kovalev had 430 goals and 599 assists in 1,316 NHL games. [July 3, 2014].