1. Ilya Kovalchuk
In an otherwise apathetic season in Montreal, Russian winger Ilya Kovalchuk came to town and brought incredible energy for two months. He showed up in early January and quickly gave the team a shot in the arm and brought the team back to life as it was beginning to drudge its way through the second half of the season.
Kovalchuk had his contract with the Los Angeles Kings torn to pieces in December, and though they deemed him unworthy of his $6.25 million salary, his enthusiasm was priceless in Montreal.
He clicked with young centre Nick Suzuki and would score six goals and 13 points in 22 games in a Habs sweater, as well as a couple of shootout game winners. His offence, energy and confidence helped bring the Habs within a couple of points of a playoff spot before they fell behind once again.
Then, he was dealt to the Washington Capitals – a team he wanted to play for – for a third round draft pick. There were plenty of rumours shortly after Kovalchuk left town that he wanted to return to Montreal as a free agent in the offseason. Reports out of Montreal lead readers and fans to believe the feeling was mutual between team and player.
A couple years ago the Habs traded Tomas Plekanec to the Toronto Maple Leafs only to have return on July 1 when he became a free agent. It sounds like the same thing is going to happen with Kovalchuk.
"Based on my information, it’s all but assured Kovalchuk will be back in Montreal come 2020-21." - @EricEngels via his mailbag below. https://t.co/DatjbZHP1w
— Canadiens Prospects (@cdnsprospects) April 25, 2020
Now, Plekanec had his contract torn up just three games after the returned to Montreal but the hope is the same won’t be necessary for the Russian winger. He loved his time in Montreal, acted as a great mentor for younger players like Nick Suzuki and could be a great role model for Alexander Romanov who will be a rookie playing his first season outside of Russia.
It sounds like the deal between Kovalchuk and Montreal was all but complete when he left on trade deadline day. Indications are strong that if today were free agent frenzy day, Kovalchuk would be the first player signing to play in Montreal next year.