Kovalchcuk was selected first overall in the 2001 draft by Atlanta .
Kovalchcuk was went on to record a pair of 52 - goal seasons with the Thrashers before he was traded to New Jersey in February of 2010 .
Kovalchcuk was selected first overall in the 2001 draft by Atlanta , and went on to record a pair of 52 - goal seasons with the Thrashers before he was traded to New Jersey in February of 2010 .