In his first season with the Avalanche, Kovalenko has shown glimpses of the talent that made him an offensive standout with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo (KHL), but limited deployment has likely stunted the opportunity for true success. In 12 games, Kovalenko is averaging 13:41 time-on-ice and has four points (1G / 3A).
The 24-year-old Kovalenko made his NHL debut with the Avalanche this season but has struggled adapting to the North American rink after being dominant in the KHL the past several seasons. In his past two campaigns with the Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo (KHL), Kovalenko scored 89 points (32G / 57A) in 98 games.
The 24-year-old Kovalenko made his NHL debut with the Avalanche this season but has struggled adapting to the North American rink after being dominant in the KHL the past several seasons. In his past two campaigns with the Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo (KHL), Kovalenko scored 89 points (32G / 57A) in 98 games.
Kovalenko appeared in two games during Colorado's opening series win over Winnipeg but will head to the press box for the Avalanche's opening game in Dallas. The 24-year-old will be replaced by Chris Wagner after failing to pick up a point while averaging just below 7 minutes TOI.
Kovalenko suffered the injury towards the end of the KHL season and will report to the Eagles for further rehabilitation before potentially getting a look at the NHL level. Kovalenko is yet to make his NHL debut but has impressed in his last few KHL seasons. The 24-year-old winger had 11 goals and 24 assists in 42 games with the Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo this season.
Kovalenko had 21 goals, 33 assists, 36 PIMs and a +10 plus/minus through 56 games with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) in 2022-23 and has signed a two-year, entry-level contract with Colorado. The 23-year-old Russian winger was the Avalanche's 2018 sixth-round pick (171st overall) and is currently loaned out for another season to Torpedo for the 2023-24 season.
