Let's make this birthday one to remember.

42 years old (Born on April 15, 1983)

Happy Birthday, Ilya Kovalchuk! Here's to the guy whose slapshot was faster than his NHL exit. Who else could dazzle Thrashers fans with goal after goal, yet break hearts by skating away from Jersey halfway through a mega-deal?

From lighting lamps in Atlanta and keeping Devils' fans roaring—you're the undisputed king of bold moves. Retirement? Nah—you just executed hockey’s greatest "psych" act before dazzling us overseas once again.

Wherever life has taken you—Atlanta, New Jersey or back across oceans—we remember your epic goals more than any retirement drama. Cheers to always making things interesting; here's hoping birthday celebrations last longer than NHL contracts!