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Age: 33 years old Nicknames: Kovi, Alex Date of birth: February 24 1973 Hometown: Togliatti, Russia Nationality: Russian Residences: Togliatti, New York and Montreal Status: Married to Eugenia Children: Nikita (2002) and Ivan (2004) Position: Right Wing Shoots: Left Height: 6'1 Weight: 225 lbs Year Drafted: 1991 by the New York Rangers Round Drafted: 1st Overall Choice: 15th Acquired to the Habs: Trade (2004) in exchange of Jozef Balej and a 4th round pick in 2004. 2007/08 Compensation: $4,500,000.00 Alex Kovalev was drafted in 1991 by the New York Rangers, becoming the 1st Russian player ever selected in the first round on the NHL Entry Draft. His first game was in October 12th in 1992, where he scored his 1st goal in the National Hockey league against the Whalers. Alex played only 65 games that season and finished the season with 20 goals. In 1993-1994 Alex helped the Rangers to win the Presidents' Trophy by having 23 goals and 56 points. In the playoffs, he finished 6th with 21 points in 23 games to win his first Stanley cup, a 1st one for the Rangers in 54 years. Alex and 2 of his teamates (Alexander Karpovtsev & Sergei Zubov) were the first Russians ever to have their name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Alex got traded in 1998-1999 with Harry York to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Petr Nedved (today wiht the Flyers), Sean Pronger and Chris Tamer. He had his best season of his career in 2000-2001 with 44 goals, 51 assists, a total of 95 points in 79 games. In a trade to reduce their salary mass, the Pens sent Kovalev back to the Rangers. On March 4th 2004, He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for Jozef Balej and a 4th round pick. Alex had a hard time during the season with the Habs but woke up during the playoffs, helping out the Canadiens to climb on a 3-1 deficit agaisnt the Boston Bruins by scoring 5 goals in 7 games. Sadly they've lost in 4 against the Tampa bay Lightning, 2004's Stanley Cup Champions. Text written by Thuymi |