His career goal was modest when the Thrashers drafted him as an 18-year-old: Become the best NHL player from Russia. Ever.

Now 24 years old, Ilya Kovalchuk might not even be the best Russian playing in the Southeast Division. The hockey world is abuzz about Russian Alexander Ovechkin lifting Washington to the playoffs in the final game of the season.

Joey Ivansco/Staff (ENLARGE)

Thrashers left wing Ilya Kovalchuk says, 'It's six years here now and nothing really has changed.'

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Kovalchuk, meanwhile, spent Sunday getting a season-ending physical and preparing for a vacation in Miami.

South Beach in early April, however nice, isn't where hockey players really want to be. Especially ones who want to leave a legacy in the NHL more lasting than anyone before them.

Yes, Kovalchuk's 52 goals this season tied his own franchise record, but that's not the number that will put him in the stratosphere with the league's all-time best.

Only playoff wins do that, and after six seasons, Kovalchuk is still sitting at zero.

"It doesn't matter how many goals you score — 50-goal season, 30-goal season, two-goal season. When you're a loser, it's the worst," Kovalchuk said.

And the losing this year, Kovalchuk said, got to him more than any other season. Mostly because he got a taste of the playoffs last year, which gave him high expectations this year, but it doesn't help that other Russians like Ovechkin and Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin are making playoff runs.

No, he'd never admit that. He pointed out that Ovechkin was sitting at home last year when the Thrashers were in the playoffs.

But clearly, Kovalchuk has had it with the losing. He voiced his frustrations with pointed post-game comments as the season sunk to new depths, until finally admitting he felt empty after the season finale.

"I think for him," teammate Niclas Havelid said, "enough is enough."

The Thrashers already lost one star player in Marian Hossa, when Hossa decided he wasn't sold on the direction of the franchise.

Kovalchuk has two years left on his contract, and that might sound like a lot, but the Thrashers have given no indication that they're any closer to winning now than two years ago.

"It's six years here now and nothing really changed," Kovalchuk said on Sunday. "Hopefully we can do some moves this summer."

Last summer, Kovalchuk made one request to Thrashers general manager Don Waddell.

Get me a center.

Waddell's answer was Todd White, but by season's end Kovalchuk was playing with checking-line center Bobby Holik, who likely won't be back next season. And Waddell said late in the year that White is best suited in a defensive role on a second or third line.

Kovalchuk still doesn't have his playmaking center, and maybe that's why now he's staying out of the player personnel department.

"I'm not GM this year; he's right there," said Kovalchuk, pointing to Waddell.

And while he's done making requests for centers, he's made it clear who he'd like to see as the next head coach.

Associate coach Brad McCrimmon passed on an offer to become the head coach for the remainder of the season after the All-Star break. He would be the right choice, Kovalchuk said.

Considering the next coach will have the tall order of convincing Kovalchuk to play a more team-oriented game, more consistent defense and keep his shift lengths in line with the rest of the forwards, hiring someone Kovalchuk respects might be a good idea.

"I think [McCrimmon] did all that he can. Sometimes it's not only the coaches fault, but the guys on the ice," Kovalchuk said. "There's no way anybody can blame anything on him. I like how he coaches."

Waddell said the easiest way to keep Kovalchuk happy and in Atlanta long-term is by winning.

No problem, right?

"Six years and he hasn't won a playoff game yet, that's disheartening for a player," Waddell said.

Waddell promises that he's working on it. The coach search starts now, he said. A little luck in Monday night's draft lottery would help, too.

Soon enough there will be bids on free agents.

But if the playoffs continue to elude Waddell and the Thrashers, it could ultimately mean Kovalchuk's exit. And his pursuit to become the best Russian ever might be realized in another city.

"I want to win something before my contract is up," Kovalchuk said. "Hopefully, we can make the right moves and go forward. Not stand in the same place."