Andrei Kovalenko

Andrei Kovalenko is currently the chairman of the Kontinental Hockey League players association (KHL PA).

How was he perceived in Russia as a player?

In North America, I always heard him referred to as talented but not particularly driven.

Was he a better player when representing Russia as opposed to when he was a hockey mercenary in the NHL?

He was a slower and less skilled version of Vladimir Krutov. Both Kovalenko and Krutov were called a "tank".

He was a slower and less skilled version of Vladimir Krutov. Both Kovalenko and Krutov were called a "tank".

"slower and less skilled" than Krutov? That REALLY is a tank.:D

"slower and less skilled" than Krutov? That REALLY is a tank.:D

Before Krutov let himself go, he had great skills and pretty good wheels.

During their prime years, Krutov was better then Larionov.

Before Krutov let himself go, he had great skills and pretty good wheels.

During their prime years, Krutov was better then Larionov.

I was off base with that comment. I only knew of Krutov in the NHL when his best years were behind him.

Unfair judgement on my part. :shakehead