Age: 19
Date of birth: June 14, 1990
Place of birth: Moncton, N.B., Canada
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 200
Shoots: L
NHL Seasons: 0-R
Drafted by New Jersey in 2008 (2/54).
Acquired in a trade with New Jersey in 2010.
ASSETS: Is ultra-aggressive. Has great size, outstanding defensive instincts and some offensive upside. Uses his body well in a checking capacity, as well as to win battles in the corners.
FLAWS: His propensity to play in-your-face hockey can at times lead to bad penalties against his team. His offensive upside isn't at an elite level.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Checking center with all-around upside.
PLAYER NEWS
2/04/2010 Devils acquire Ilya Kovalchuk from Atlanta
2/04/2010 Atlanta gets P. Cormier in Kovalchuk deal
2/04/2010 Thrashers acquire Oduya in Kovalchuk trade
Atllanta Thrashers traded Ilya Kovalchuk, Anssi Salmela and a 2nd-round draft pick in 2010 to the New Jersey Devils for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, Patrice Cormier, a 1st-round draft pick in 2010 and a 2nd-round draft pick in 2010 .
6/21/2008
Drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the 2nd round (54th overall) in 2008.
