Montreal Canadiens: Ilya Kovalchuk won’t be an option

If there was a chance that Ilya Kovalchuk was a contingency plan for the Montreal Canadiens, his latest comments on a future home might hurt their chances.

Heads were turning when Alexander Radulov confirmed that he would be returning to the NHL. Although some were apprehensive about it considering his last run in the league, no one could deny the pure dynamic skill set he brought to the table. Radulov’s past made it even more shocking when it was the Montreal Canadiens he chose to sign with.

It made sense on his end seeing as how the Habs were a team with aspirations to go on a deep Stanley Cup run but needed a few boosts. What made it weird on Montreal’s end was that they were coming off a less than ideal season where player attitude was one of the main issues. In response, P.K. Subban was moved, and Shea Weber was brought on.

Radulov quickly shook off any doubts about his character in his first games with the Montreal Canadiens, and it continued for the majority of the season. Now, after another disappointing season where player attitude ‘appears’ to be the main issue, the league as a former star in Ilya Kovalchuk looking to make his return to the NHL.

There have been a lot of rumours lately that Kovalchuk and the New York Rangers have a deal in place for the summer. Because of that, there was no point in debating on whether it was possible for the Habs to acquire him in hopes that he has a similar or even better impact than Radulov did.

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KHL insider Aivis Kalniņš tweeted out a quote from Kovalchuk that denied any such deal in place. According to the 34-year-old, he hasn’t spoken with any NHL teams yet.

It’s a shining light on that front, but not as bright as Habs fans would want it to be. Kovalchuk also mentioned how important a team’s results would have on his decision. Unfortunately, that’s where the Montreal Canadiens could lose out on the race. There is a possibility that Marc Bergevin and Geoff Molson get enough work in before July 1st to persuade Kovalchuk, as well as other pending free agents, that the team is on the rise.

Montreal could use the firepower given his track record with the New Jersey Devils and recent success as part of St. Petersberg SKA.

Next: Trade Plans Months in Advance

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