Aleksey Kovalyov

Aleksey Kovalyov began his hockey career in 1989 with Dynamo Moskva, playing there until 1992, and winning Soviet titles in 1990 and 1991 and a CIS title in 1992. In 1992 Kovalyov joined the NHL New York Rangers, playing there until 1999. In 1994 Kovalyov won the Stanley Cup with them, becoming the first Russian to do so, with teammates Aleksandr Karpovtsev, Sergey Nemchinov and Sergey Zubov. From 1999-2003 Kovalyov played with the Pittsburgh Penguins then had another season with the Rangers, before playing with the Montreal Canadiens from 2004-09. In 2009, Kovalyov was named captain of the Eastern Conference team at the 2009 NHL All-Star Game, becoming the first Russian to be named a captain of an NHL All-Star team, and he won MVP honors as a result of his two goals, assist, and game-winning shootout goal. In 2009 Kovalyov was traded to the Ottawa Senators. Internationally, besides his two Olympic medals, Kovalyov won bronzes at the 1996 World Cup and 2005 World Championships, where he was chosen as the best forward.