Ilya Kovalchuk Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

Ilya Kovalchuk has picked up an assist in each of his last two games as he has benefited from top line minutes with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Ilya's return to the National Hockey League has been a relative disappointment, but he had been battling a nagging injury for some time. With the Senators in town on a back to back, Kovalchuk is a nice target in tournaments at an affordable price tag against a team allowing nearly four goals per contest on the road.

Ilya Kovalchuk has just one goal and three points in five games since returning to the NHL. However, he's playing on the top line with Anze Kopitar as well as the top power play unit (though he could be on PP2 tonight). Furthermore, he's fired 17 shots on goal and with Sparks struggles at the NHL level there is plenty of upside tonight. With the Kings lines in a bit of a blender and concerns that Kovalchuk could be on the second power play unit, his ownership might be a bit lower than usual.

Kovalchuk returns to the ice for an NHL game for the first time in five seasons. It’s unclear exactly where the newly minted gold medalist will slot in, but early indications are that he’ll immediately be on the first line with Anze Kopitar and Alex Iafallo. This is a logical fit given the success of “That 70s Line” with Pearson-Carter-Toffoli staying together on the second line. Kovalchuk should also be on the number one power play unit, playing up front with Kopitar and Carter. Many will take a “wait and see” approach with Kovalchuk, which could lead to lower ownership.