What future successes wait for Nikolai Kovalenko, Avalanche rising star, in the NHL? The Colorado Avalanche have had to find ways to circumvent salary cap problems. Part of that solution has been to look to the rookie ranks to bolster the team. That is where 25-year-old Nikolai Kovalenko comes into the equation.
In this guide, you will learn all about the rookie and sixth-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Learn about who he is, how he got to the NHL, his father, and what impact he is hoping to have for the Colorado Avalanche as an NHL regular.
And meanwhile checkout Colorado Avalanche odds here.
Who is Nikolai Kovalenko?
Born October 17, 1999, Nikolai Kovalenko is the son of former NHL player Andrei Kovalenko. Though his father is from Russia, Nikolai was born in Raleigh, NC. He was selected with the 171st pick in the NHL draft.
Since being drafted by the Avalanche, he has become a full-time part of their lineup. Like his dad, Kovalenko spent time in Russia early in his career. He played for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod most recently, putting up 35 points in 42 games in his final season there.
Okay, let's get this straight…
Nikolai Kovalenko, the son of a player who was involved in the Roy trade to the Avalanche (Andrei) will face Patrick Roy's @NYIslanders tonight in Colorado. 🤯
(H/T @evanrawal) pic.twitter.com/KE51SPmdbv
— NHL (@NHL) October 14, 2024
Journey to the NHL
Nikolai Kovalenko was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2018 NHL Draft. Every season during his time in Russia, the now 25-year-old forward has improved. He would go on to play a prominent role in every season from 2014-15 through the 2023-24 season, his last year in the KHL.
Kovalenko signed a two-year entry level contract with the Avalanche in 2023, officially joining the roster. He finished his season in Russia before making his first career NHL appearance in Game 4 of the 2024 playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets. He would play one more game during that season, scoring no goals and registering no points.
Kovalenko Avalanche Key Stats and Performance
The career of Nikolai Kovalenko in North America is limited. He played four games in the regular season with the Colorado Eagles of the AHL to end the 2023-24 season, managing to score a goal and two assists during that time. Since then, he has been permanently elevated to the roster of the Colorado Avalanche.
Regular Season
Kovalenko began the 2024-25 season on the Avalanche roster. Given the injuries to a litany of players, the team knew that it would be dependent on the youngster for an early portion of the regular season.
In 26 games, Kovalenko has registered four goals and eight points. As December approached, the Avalanche lineup saw a few important additions. Valeri Nichushkin returned from suspension, a good time to do so given the number of injuries facing the roster.
Colorado Avalanche right wing Nikolai Kovalenko (51) in the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Playoffs
Kovalenko got his first bit of NHL experience in the 2024 playoffs. He managed to play in two games that playoff season, though he didn’t score any goals or points. Even still, it was a good way to get familiar with the club and a solid way to end the season.
Comparisons to Other Young Players
Since being drafted, Kovalenko has not had the hype of other players his age. As each year passed, he continued to score goals and play an important role in the KHL. That said, other players made their regular season debuts as Kovalenko returned to the KHL.
Kovalenko is of average height and weight, depending more on his skill and shooting. He has relatively limited time in the NHL, but his game suggests that he could be a versatile fit and play on either wing. He is built like a tank as well, giving him the style of play that could be right at home with the Colorado Avalanche.
Nikolai Kovalenko buries Lehkonen's feed for a power play goal, 1-0 Avalanche!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/S5GzFxdAXc
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) December 1, 2024
Records and Achievements
His time during the 2017-18 season with Loko Yaroslavl is probably his best achievement. He went on to play in the All-Star Game that season, earning Forward of the Month in December. He also helped his team win the Kharlamov Cup that season.
His game in the NHL is still relatively unknown. He has managed to play 26 regular season games to date, managing to score four goals so far this year. Nikolai Kovalenko still has his best days (and achievements) ahead of him.
Kovalenko Playing Style and Strengths
There is a lot to like about the game of Nikolai Kovalenko despite the long journey to get here. For starters, Kovalenko has shown a knack for scoring timely goals and contributing with a strong offensive skill set. His game isn’t overwhelmingly offensive like some of his current Avalanche teammates but is solid no less.
During his first game against the Jets in the playoffs, Kovalenko looked out of place. The speed of the game look like it was a lot for him to handle. Considering the jump from the KHL game to the NHL game, it’s not surprising. He has the upside to be a solid two-way player at the next level but still has some work to do.
Kovalenko’s Avalanche Future
We need to see Kovalenko play more before making a prediction, but he could bolster the middle of the lineup and help the Avalanche compete with teams like the Edmonton Oilers. He was counted on to play a bigger role to start the season, but his game just isn’t there yet.
This season is going to be one of growing pains for Kovalenko. He is learning the NHL game and finding out what he can and can’t do. It may be next year (or the one after) that we really see what Kovalenko can bring to the table.
Will he become one of Colorado Avalanche best players? Only time will tell!
