On February 27, 2018, he was promoted to make his professional debut in the Kontinental Hockey League as an 18-year-old, playing 11 minutes in a 2–0 road victory over Spartak Moscow.
Kovalenko continued upon his successful season in producing 12 points in 13 playoff games with Loko, helping capture the Kharlamov Cup.
[5] Playing in a reduced role due to his youth, Kovalenko still contributed offensively, scoring 2 goals, including the game-winner, in a 4–3 victory over HC Vityaz on September 20, 2018.
In his final season under contract with Lokomotiv while under the guidance of new head coach, Craig McTavish, Kovalenko struggled to make an impression.
Appearing in a top-line role as an alternate captain Kovalenko led the team in scoring and finish ninth in KHL with career highs of 21 goals and 33 assists for 54 points through 56 games.
In the post-season, Kovalenko continued to lead Torpedo's offense, contributing with 7 points through 10 games as the team reached the Conference Semi-finals for the first time since 2016.
In condition for the release of his KHL contract, Kovalenko was returned on loan by the Avalanche to continue his tenure with Toropedo Nizhy Novgorod through the 2023–24 season.
[10] On April 28th, 2024, Kovalenko made his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche in a 5–1 win over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 4 of the 1st round of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.