The San Jose Sharks acquired Nikolai Kovalenko from the Colorado Avalanche on Monday.

The San Jose Sharks acquired Nikolai Kovalenko in the trade that sent Mackenzie Blackwood to the Colorado Avalanche.

Kovalenko made his NHL debut for the Avalanche this season and has eight points (four goals, four assists) in 28 games. Colorado drafted him in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL draft, and he developed in the KHL.

In 2023-24, Kovalenko had 11 goals and 24 assists in 42 games for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL. He would make his way to North America at the end of the season and play in two playoff games for the Avalanche. 

At 5'10, 180 lbs, the winger uses speed and skill to be an effective player. He was earning some top-six minutes for the Avalanche, but the ice time slowly faded once they started getting players back from injury. In his last game for the Avalanche, Kovalenko had eight shifts for a total of 6:58 of ice time.

His speed on the wing will be a valuable asset to the Sharks as they continue to get younger and build a core. After this season, Kovalenko, who is 25, will be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

All four of Kovalenko's goals have come from right in front of the net. NHL EDGE deems them from high-danger areas. He works hard to get into those positions and has shown a nice touch around the net. 

He has good hands at high skating speeds, which allows him to get places when needed. He is also a straightforward player and will find open ice no matter what he has to do to get there. 

While the upside might not be as high as Fabian Zetterlund's was and still is, Kovalenko should get a good opportunity to play with quality players again on the San Jose Sharks. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

BREAKING: Sharks Trade No. 1 Goalie To Avalanche

BREAKING: Sharks Place Slim Playing Winger On Waivers

Top Sharks Goalie Prospect Continues To Be A Superstar In The AHL

BREAKING: Sharks Prospect Causes Mass Throwing Of Teddy Bears

Champs Teach Sharks A Lesson About Winning; Panthers Beat Sharks 3-1

• undefined