Confirmed with Link: Ilya Kovalchuk signs with Habs (1-year, 2-way deal, 700k AAV)

[MSLs absurd thighs]

The members bashing this move are probably the same ones crying because Weal and Cousins are on the powerplay.

People will be pleasantly surprised. Russians thrive in Montreal, for some reason. And we have some speed the Kings didn't have to complement Kovalchuk's skills

 

[MD thaivuN]

Despite his struggles, Kovalchuk has 9 pts in 17 GP so far this year.

Offense has never been the problem with Kovalchuk in the Kings' run. it's the defensive part that's been the problem.

I imagine that it's still going to be a problem under Julien tho. He's probably gonna get PP time + limited 4th line ice time.

 

[donghabs98]

Hoping Kovalchuk doesn't take the spot of the younger players like KK or Suzuki on the PP.

I dont think that's a problem. He'll take one of Cousins or Weal's time on the PP. I'm done watching Weal whiff on one time shots from good angles on the PP.

 

[the]

Well he will get to play his 900th game with us.

 

[Leon Lucius Black]

We are down 4 wingers, Cousins was on our 1st line last game and Weal is playing like 14-15 minutes a game. There is legit no risk with this signing, our top pro offensive prospects are already in our top 9 and he's a massive upgrade compared to calling up plugs like Barber/Hudon who did nothing on their call-ups.

 

[Mrb1p]

But what's the harm in this one? If he pans out we could flip him to a contender. If he struggles, then it cant be worse than having guys like Cousins or Weal play big minutes. I'll take old man Kovalchuk on the PP anyday than Weal.

There's a lot to criticize Bergevin rightfully on. These low risk moves dont strike me as such.

Its not about a downside, its just the fact that hes doing those moves to say he tried.

Hes going to tell us the same damn thing hes been telling us for the past decade and people will eat it up.

Its just a distraction for the media, he acquired a former russian star and a Quebecois born LD, he basically did what they asked of him, with a caveat.

At some point hell have to stop with the "Whats the harm in this one" moves and actually do something, because hes been doing those moves for way too long now and it hasnt worked.

 

[Doxinoctae]

Is Drouin done for the year ?

 

[Adam Michaels]

Offense has never been the problem with Kovalchuk in the Kings' run. it's the defensive part that's been the problem.

I imagine that it's still going to be a problem under Julien tho. He's probably gonna get PP time + limited 4th line ice time.

All good. I'm okay with his defensive deficiencies if he can contribute offensively.

 

[Mandala]

A two way contract but why? I don't see ourselves making the playoffs at the moment and this looks like a last salvo to save Bergevin's job.

 

[BLONG7]

Can we get Kovalev too!! Then we can have Weal to Kovy and the over to Kovy!!

MB is in trouble folks, let's hope this works, he might help our PP......but this reeks of desperation, and bargain bin stuff.

 

[wildD]

Montreal draws a UFA!
But Rly LMAO

 

[JuicyHam]

Hoping Kovalchuk doesn't take the spot of the younger players like KK or Suzuki on the PP.

Suzuki is one of the sources of our success on the powerplay. Kovalchuk would fill a different role on the PP anyways

 

[Whitesnake]

And like some said, if it means that I'll stop seeing Weal's ugly face on the PP, I'm all for it.

 

[OldCraig71]

But wait, I thought he hated Russians??

That's a shot directly at me asshole! He is trying to make the playoffs. You guys all told me that "Bergie" didn't make win now moves and that he had turned a corner, @montreal , @dackelljuneaubulis02 , @Sterling Archer , this is definitely a move benefits our future core.

 

[Rico Suave]

I dont think MB is making these trades to make the playoffs

Scando and Kovy will get top minutes,hopefully up their value and we trade both at deadline with 50% retention

Wont get 1st round picks but Scandella might fetch a 2nd at deadline

 

[Adamcrazy3]

I'll take Kovalchuk over Weal or Cousins on the PP.

 

[habsfan891]

To the posters believing he replaces weal on the powerplay your in for a rude awakening CJ is way too in love with Weal for that to ever happen my bet is he replaces KK.

 

[TouzY]

no risk move,
Tatar - Danault - Kovalchuk
maybe bump Weal and Cousins from the PP and add Kovalchuk to try him out

 

[dinodebino]

Let say that if there's actually 1 plan that Bergevin does follow since he's here, is that he wants to get something out of nothing. Obviously, it doesn't work most of the time. But that's who he is. At least what it does today is a lot of fun. A lot of hope. And then we'll see him on the ice and understand he doesn'T have a whole lot to give....but look at the Habs. He might be amongst our top 9 even when everybody is back....So again, fine with me. Because I know who Bergevin is. I'm not hoping for anything as far as he's concerned. I'm just going with what he can give us. And that is in line with what he does.

Just 1 question though....did the guy actually trained the last 2 months? 'Cause he wasn't playing.

He was seen down South with Ovechkin during the X-Mas break.

 

[jaffy27]

That's a shot directly at me *******! He is trying to make the playoffs. You guys all told me that "Bergie" didn't make win now moves and that he had turned a corner, @montreal , @dackelljuneaubulis02 , @Sterling Archer , this is definitely a move benefits our future core.

What pick went to LA for this?

 

[DangerDave]

Reeks of desperation

 

[Gainesvillain]

I’m totally down with Poehling/KK/Kovalchuk.

And Kovalchuk in place of Weal on the PP is a no-brainer.

 

[CauZuki]

I'll take Kovalchuk over Weal or Cousins on the PP.

Obviously the line will be Cousins - Thompson - Kovalchuk for PP1 , Weal will have to get demoted to wave 2 .

 

[Kobe Armstrong]

Anyone want to take a stab at the lines now? I don't see a spot where he would fit in right away

Tatar-Danault-Lehkonen
Poehling-Domi-Suzuki
Cousins-Kotkaniemi-Kovalchuk
Vejdemo-Thompson-Weal

maybe when Armia is back Kovalchuk-Kotkaniemi-Armia would be a good line

 

[sheed36]

I guess this is a case of what do they have to lose. If he has nothing left you just send him down and that's the end of it but if he produces a few goals and shows he has something left the Habs can flip him at the deadline for a free pick if they're still out of the playoffs.

This will be like a Kovalchuk audition for any current playoff teams who might've been interested in signing him.