Paul Chiasson / AP
TSN is reporting that Alexei Kovalev will not be going back to Montreal. On Monday Bob Gainey, Canadiens' general manager, told Montreal radio station CJAD that the club made an offer to Kovalev last week, but the Russian winger took too long to consider the deal.
Why is it important for the Washington Capitals' fans? Well, it isn't really. But there has been talk for a few days now about Kovalev joining other Russians in DC. A few fans asked me to check on the situation and I twitted late last week that I couldn't get hold of Alexei to clear it up.
Furthermore, my sources in Russia are telling me that they spoke with Kovalev last Thursday and were told that there was nothing certain about Kovalev's future in the NHL.
No one knows where Kovalev will end up. Russia's Sovetsky Sport is reporting that Alexei is in Kazan right now where he holds his annual master-class events for young hockey players. The only thing Kovalev did confirm was that he had not signed with any team yet.
There are also rumblings in Russia that Kovalev might end up coming to play in the KHL. It is very much possible after earlier moves made by Viktor Kozlov and Sergei Fedorov.
Moreover, the Capitals have already signed a veteran right wing -- Mike Knuble from the Philadelphia Flyers. Signing Kovalev might not be something they want to do, considering that the real problem for the Capitals is in defense. Furthermore, there was some talk in the Verizon Center press box a few years ago about bringing Kovalev to Washington. And I was probably the only one who thought it was a great idea.
But if Kovalev does come to DC, he will be the player the Capitals won't regret signing. And let me tell you more: Kovalev will be a better leader that Fedorov was, with all the greatest respect to Sergei. Kovalev is the true captain. And throughout his career some coaches couldn't deal with it.
In the meantime, Kovalev is keeping all cards to himself. His blog on Sovetsky Sort's internet portal has not been updated in a while.
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