Career
He is currently the head coach for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League. Konowalchuk is the first player born and raised in Utah to make it to the National Hockey League level He was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 1991 National Hockey League Entry Draft, 3rd Round, 58th overall from the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League.
During the 2001-2002 National Hockey League season he served as co-captain of the Capitals alongside teammate Brendan Witt.
In October of 2002 it was announced that he would serve as the 10th full time captain of the Capitals. He would hold the position until he was traded to Colorado by Washington with Washington"s third selection in the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft in exchange for Bates Battaglia and the rights to Jonas Johansson on October 22, 2003.On September 29, 2006, Konowalchuk announced his retirement after a regular examination detected Long QT Syndrome.
After his retirement, Konowalchuk remained within the Avalanche organization and served as an assistant coach to Joe Sacco during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 season. In 2011, he was named head coach of the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League.