Beyond the money , though , Kovalchuk had returned to Russia during the 2012 - 13 NHL lockout , scoring 42 points in 36 games for SKA St. Petersburg over that period .
The pull of Kovalchuk 's homeland had played a powerful role Kovalchuk 's his decision .
Beyond the money , though , Kovalchuk had returned to Russia during the 2012 - 13 NHL lockout , scoring 42 points in 36 games for SKA St. Petersburg over that period , and the pull of his homeland had played a powerful role in his decision .