Bridging NHL and KHL worlds, former New Jersey Devils superstar forward Ilya Kovalchuk has been named president of the Shanghai Dragons.
The Chinese KHL club made the announcement on Tuesday morning, introducing a new president role and tapping the 43-year-old Russian legend to fill it. Joining him in the front office is fellow retired NHL forward Evgeniy Artyukhin, who has been appointed general manager, replacing Igor Varitsky.
Long before stepping into management, Kovalchuk thrilled Devils and NHL fans alike as one of the most dynamic goal-scorers of his generation—especially during his standout years in New Jersey.
However, now his focus has turned to being part of a front office, now calling the shots in Shanghai.
In his first comments as president, Kovalchuk expressed excitement:
“Hello to all Shanghai Dragons fans! I’m excited to become part of the Dragons family! We have an exciting journey ahead of us. There will be significant changes in our sporting approach, and we will continue to actively engage with our fans. We look forward to seeing all of you next season in Saint Petersburg at SKA Arena!”
Kovalchuk also praised his new general manager, noting Artyukhin’s three years as a scout for the Vegas Golden Knights:
“Evgeny knows the game from the inside and brings a wealth of experience. The Vegas Golden Knights have been one of the most successful organizations in recent years… I wish him the best of luck and am confident he will help elevate our hockey operations to the level we are striving for.”
The Shanghai Dragons are the rebranded and relocated successor to Kunlun Red Star, having moved to Shanghai in August 2025 to tap into one of Asia’s most vibrant markets. As the KHL continues its push into China, the addition of high-profile names like Kovalchuk and Artyukhin signals serious ambition.
Kovalchuk’s global recognition—especially his NHL pedigree as a former Devils star—could help attract former NHL talent to the franchise.
Long-term, perhaps Kovalchuk’s new role in Shanghai could lead to a future front office position in the NHL.
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