Montreal Canadiens: Three Free Agents Habs Were Smart To Avoid

Ilya Kovalchuk

Ilya Kovalchuk arrived in Montreal from the scrap heap. He had his three year contract with the Los Angeles Kings torn up about halfway through its duration and he became a free agent just before Christmas after scoring three goals and nine points in 17 games to begin the season with the Kings.

When he showed up in Montreal, he looked much better – at least initially. He had six goals and six assists for 12 points in his first 15 games with the Canadiens. He fit in extremely well on a line with Nick Suzuki and helped a lifeless power play do some damage.

When he was traded to the Washington Capitals for a third round pick, it was predicted by many that Kovalchuk would return to Montreal when he hit the open market once again. There seemed to be a mutual interest in signing the Russian winger for the 2020-21 season.

However, Kovalchuk finished his short stint in Montreal with just one assist in seven games and then was held scoreless in five of his seven games with the Capitals before the league pressed pause. He had just one assist in eight games in the postseason after the NHL returned to action and was held pointless in a five game series loss to the New York Islanders.

The 37 year old winger had some fantastic seasons earlier in his career and had a few terrific moments with the Montreal Canadiens. But he hasn’t been able to be a consistent offensive NHL player since he skipped town on the New Jersey Devils in 2013.

Bergevin got a lot out of Kovalchuk last season, but he was right not to go back to the same well after seeing it dry up late in the season.