Jan Kovář

Jan Kovář (born 20 March 1990) is a Czech professional ice hockey forward who currently serves as captain of EV Zug of the National League (NL). He is the younger brother of Jakub Kovář.

Playing career He made his professional debut with HC Plzeň in the Czech Extraliga during the 2008–09 season. Before moving to Russia for the 2013–14 KHL season in signing for Metallurg Magnitogorsk and claiming the Gagarin Cup. Playing within the Czech national team he advanced to the semi-finals before being knocked out. In the bronze medal playoff, he scored against Canada, but the team could not win.

As an undrafted free agent after five seasons in the KHL with Magnitogorsk, Kovář signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the New York Islanders, his first team in the NHL, on 9 July 2018. On 10 October, after failing to make the team following training camp he was placed on unconditional waivers by the Islanders with the intent of terminating his contract due to facing limited opportunities to continue his adaptation to the North American style if he reported to the AHL with affiliate, Bridgeport Sound Tigers. With the intention to continue his career in North America, Kovář secured a professional try-out contract with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL) on 18 October. On 5 December, Kovář signed a one-month contract HC Plzeň of the Czech Extraliga (ELH).

After playing out the season in the ELH, Kovář left in the off-season, securing a one-year contract with Swiss club EV Zug of the NL on 18 June 2019. His contract included an NHL out-clause through 25 June.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and honors Award YearKHL Gagarin Cup 2014, 2016 All-Star Game 2014, 2016 Golden Helmet AwardAll-Star team 2016 Three Snipers AwardMost goal-scoring line 2014