BREAKING: Former 50-goal scorer return to the NHL compromised by serious injury

Earlier this summer, rumours circulated about former NHLers now playing in the KHL moving back to North America for the 2016-2017 season. Russia's unstable economy would be one of the key factors in this possible migration according to multiple reports.

Of course, one of the biggest name available would be former Atlanta Trashers captain and one-time "Rocket Richard" trophy winner Ilya Kovalchuk. But the former superstar suffered a big step back this week. According to TVA sports, Kovalchuk will be out for at least three months with a serious knee injury.

Now aged 32 years old, this injury could be a serious setback in Kovalchuk's rumoured plans to come back in the NHL. Knee injuries, whatever the age, always need a long recovery period and a player can have a difficult time finding his game back afterward.

Kovalchuk played in the NHL for 12 seasons from 2001 to 2013. In 816 games, he scored 417 goals and recorded 399 assists for a total of 816 points.