Alexei Kovalev (born February 24, 1973, in Togliatti, U.S.S.R.) is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League. Alexei Kovalev was drafted by the New York Rangers in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, first round, 15th overall, becoming the first Russian player to be drafted in the first round.

 

Best known for his sleek stickhandling skills, he became an important part of the Rangers' 1994 Stanley Cup run, finishing with the third-most points for New York in the playoffs. Kovalev, Alexander Karpovtsev, Sergei Nemchinov, and Sergei Zubov were the first Russians to have their name on the Stanley Cup.