As the first Russian player drafted in the first round of the NHL draft, Kovalev made an immediate impact for the Rangers in 1992-93, scoring twenty goals and eighteen assists in his rookie campaign. He maintained that pace for the next few seasons, winning a Stanley Cup in 1994 before being traded to the Penguins for Petr Nedved in the fall of1998. Kovalev continued as a reliable twenty goal scorer until exploding for forty four goals in 2000-01, a career high, and thirty two the following year. Kovalev rose to NHL prominence as part of the Penguins high-powered offense, before salary issues forced the Pens to return him to the Rangers in 2003. Before he left, he combined with Mario Lemieux and Alexei Morozov to dominate the NHL during the first half of the 2002-03 season. His soft hands, lethal wrist shot, and crafty hockey IQ place him in the upper echelon of players to ever play the game.

This jersey was worn for fifteen games during the first half of the 1999-00 season, and shows solid wear. Several holes and burns adorn the sleeves, with a massive burn above the 7 of the left sleeve. On the back there is a large un-repaired tear. The jersey is matched to several photos and cards. During this span Kovalev racked up five goals and ten assists.