Ilya Kovalchuk supports Russia's anti-gay laws

Ilya Kovalchuk has made his feelings known about Russia's anti-gay laws, saying "I agree, of course."

Kovalchuk, quoted by TSN via Sports Illustrated, adds this: "I’m Russian and we all have to respect that. It’s personal and, like I said, it’s a free world, but that’s our line. That’s our country, so everybody has to respect that."

The 30-year old forward is a lock to represent Russia at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. He joins a growing list of athletes who have spoken out on both sides of Russia's highly controversial laws.