Thrashers Year Book: Ilya Kovalchuk

Thursdays are for "Thrashers' Yearbook" photos. I have tons of pictures from the guys that have already had a "Focus on a Thrasher" done about them, so I still have an excuse to use the pics. This week I decided to Ilya Kovalchuk. Technically he doesn't qualify as he did NOT finish the season as a Thrasher, but I decided to break my own rule for a few reasons. I have some good pictures of him and I didn't know where else to stick him. He was the face of our franchise for 8 years. Plus, I hear he has a little something going on these days.


Atlanta Thrashers fans were put through the ringer this season awaiting the signing of our big star. Ilya swore he wanted to be a Thrasher, but turned down an obscene amount of money to stay with the team. We traded him to the New Jersey Devils.



Some fans hated him.



Some did not. I didn't give a shit, I had Johnny Oduya. Fans that really knew the game and knew what was going on were glad we hadn't over paid for Kovy.



The season didn't start like that though. Kovy was much beloved.



His section at the Fan Face Off was chaos.



Even at Casino Night, everyone was buzzing and hoped there would be an announcement about him signing.



Kovy by the Thrashville sign at our big road trip to Nashville.



Kovy in front of the Washington net.



Chilling during warm ups.



Looking like he had a lot on his mind.



Taking a face off against the Oilers.



Trying to make something happen in front of the Bruins net.



Trying again.



Kovy waiting for the puck, as usual. That was name of our game, "get the puck to Kovalchuk."



Kovy is probably feeling a little guilty here as they get Vokoun on the stretcher. It WAS his goal that send Ballard into a tail spin during which he smashed his stick on the goalie post...and the goalie.



Many thought Kovy WAS our team, then we traded him.



Kovy as a Devil!



Don't look at me like that Kovy! You made your bed...



Action after the face off.


The Thrashers survived life after Kovy and I think this season will be even better! Good luck to Kovy, where ever you may end up.