Ilya Kovalchuk and Montreal seems like a strange union, and Kovalchuk's agent explained today what got the mercurial Russian winger on board with the Habs.
Speaking to TASS news agency, J.P. Barry said that Montreal offered Kovalchuk an "active attacking role in the team's top lines." In addition to that, the Habs were willing to make the deal now as opposed to waiting. According to Barry, "we spoke with several NHL teams...others wanted to wait until the February 24 trade deadline, while we wanted Ilya to get back in the game, as he's been without a team for almost a month."
Despite rumour attesting to Kovalchuk wanting to go to a contender or at least to a warm climate, Kovalchuk signed a two-way deal with Montreal for a mere $700k. Montreal is currently 13th in the Eastern Conference.
Source: Tass.ru
