Whether the Montreal Canadiens are willing to deal Ilya Kovalchuk before the trade deadline remains to be seen, but Sportsnet's Eric Engels says at least three teams are currently showing interest. The fact that Kovalchuk is making the league minimum is an attractive option for all three.
The first, according to Engels, is the Boston Bruins. "But after the Bruins weren't convinced Kovalchuk could help them when his three-year, $18.75-million deal with the Los Angeles Kings was terminated in December, they've been very impressed with what he's done in Montreal and they understand the value of adding a player who's shown he can fill a top-six role if they suffer an injury to a key player between now and the end of the season," stated Engels in his latest column. He adds the Bruins are taking a close look at the Rangers' Chris Kreider, as well as San Jose Sharks captain Joe Thornton and his teammate Patrick Marleau.
The other two teams taking a close look at Kovalchuk are the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. Both have picks to swing and are cash strapped, so other, better paid, options at the deadline may not be available to these teams.
The price for getting Kovalchuk, according to Engels, is likely a second round draft pick or a third round conditional pick that turns into a second should Kovalchuk reach certain marks with his new team.
Engels also speculates that the Florida Panthers could be in on Kovalchuk if they end up dealing Mike Hoffman for help on the blueline.
Of course, all this depends on whether the Canadiens feel they are too far out of the playoff race over the next eight games or so. If there's still a chance at making the playoffs, the Habs may chose to hang on the Kovalchuk for added help down the stretch.
Source: Sportsnet
