Nikolai Kovalenko is an American-born Russian professional ice hockey right wing, playing for the San Jose Sharks in the NHL as of February 2025. Born on October 17, 1999, in Raleigh, North Carolina, he was drafted 171st overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2018 and developed his skills in Russia’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl system before making a name for himself in the KHL.
Kovalenko excelled in the 2022–23 KHL season with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, posting a career-high 54 points in 56 games while serving as an alternate captain. His standout performance earned him a two-year NHL contract with the Avalanche, leading to his NHL debut in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After beginning the 2024–25 season with Colorado, he was traded to San Jose. Internationally, Kovalenko represented Russia at the 2019 World Junior Championships, helping secure a bronze medal.
Nikolai Kovalenko father
Andrei Kovalenko, a former NHL and Russian hockey star, is the father of Nikolai Kovalenko. Born on June 7, 1970, in Balakovo, USSR, he enjoyed a long and successful hockey career, playing for teams like the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche, and Montreal Canadiens. He was a 1992 Olympic gold medalist with the Unified Team and won silver with Russia in 1998.
During the 1999–2000 NHL season, Andrei was playing for the Carolina Hurricanes when Nikolai was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. After retiring in 2008, he remained involved in hockey, mentoring young players, including his son.
Nikolai Kovalenko siblings
Nikolai Kovalenko has two brothers, Danila Kovalenko and Ivan Kovalenko, who are also involved in hockey, as per EliteSports.
Danila Kovalenko was born on December 21, 2001, and plays as a forward for Diplomaty MGIMO Moskva in the MSHL league. Although he hasn't played at the highest professional level, he continues to pursue his hockey career in Russia.
Ivan Kovalenko, born on April 11, 2009, is the youngest of the three brothers. He plays as a forward for Lokomotiv-2004 Yaroslavl U16 and represents Russia U16 in international junior competitions. All three brothers share a strong hockey background, following in the footsteps of their father, Andrei Kovalenko.
Nikolai Kovalenko wife
Nikolai Kovalenko is married to Natasia Kovalenko, a native of Moscow, Russia. The couple tied the knot in October 2024 after announcing their engagement in May 2024 via an Instagram post.
FAQs on Nikolai Kovalenko family
A. Yes, Nikolai Kovalenko is the son of Andre Kovalenko
A. Nikolai Kovalenko tied the knot to Anastasia Kovalenko
