Bridging the 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 Tuesday morning, creating a new president role and selecting the 43-year-old Russian veteran to fill it. Joining him in the front office is fellow retired NHL forward Evgeny Artyukhin, who has been named general manager, replacing Igor Veritsky.
Long before he stepped 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, his focus has now shifted to becoming part of a front office now operating out of Shanghai.
In his first remarks as president, Kovalchuk expressed enthusiasm:
"Hello to all Shanghai Dragons fans! I'm excited to be a part of the Dragons family! We have an exciting journey ahead of us. There will be significant changes to our playing approach, and we will continue to actively engage with our fans. We look forward to seeing you all at the SKA Arena in St. Petersburg next season!"
Kovalchuk also praised his new general manager, citing Artyukhin's three years as a scout for the Vegas Golden Knights:
"Evgeny knows the game inside out and brings with him a wealth of experience. The Vegas Golden Knights have been one of the most successful organizations in recent years... I wish him all the best and am confident he will help take our hockey operations to the level we are striving for."
Shanghai Dragons is the rebranded and relocated successor to Kunlun Red Star, relocating to Shanghai in August 2025 to enter 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—particularly 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.
