Penguins Acquire Alex Kovalev from Senators

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have acquired right wing Alex Kovalev from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The pick will become a sixth rounder if the Penguins win the first round of the playoffs and Kovalev plays in at least fifty percent of the games. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Kovalev, who lifted his no-trade clause to facilitate the trade and will begin his second stint with Pittsburgh, has 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 54 games this season. Not a bad depth move for the Penguins, as Kovalev will bring plenty of offensive depth down the wing for the injury-ravaged team, but only as a playoff rental. The enigmatic forward will also bring some depth to the power play and lots of playoff experience to the team. Plus, the Penguins gave up next to nothing to get him, which shows the market for Kovalev was pretty dry.

Senators Sign Alex Kovalev to Two-Year Contract

The Ottawa Senators acquired some much needed forward scoring depth on Monday by signing right wing Alex Kovalev to a two-year contract worth $10 million. The deal averages out to $5 million per season. The Montreal Canadiens were reportedly very interested in retaining the star winger and naming him their new captain for next season, but could not get a deal done. In 78 games last season with the Canadiens, Kovalev scored 26 goals and 39 assists for 65 points and 74 penalty minutes. In 1151 career games with the Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins, he has 394 goals and 547 assists for 941 points and 1200 penalty minutes. This is a decent signing for the Senators, as Kovalev brings the team lots of offensive skill, especially on the power play, leadership, and toughness. The only problem with the veteran forward is that he is a very streaky player. Some nights he will score several points and then go several games without registering a point. Many Canadiens’ fans will recall last season when GM Bob Gainey sent Kovalev home early on a road trip to condition himself and get back into game shape after going a lengthy stretch without scoring a point. This resulted in many hockey fans and pundits believing the Canadiens were very close to trading Kovalev, but no deal was ever made. This signing also ensures that Mike Comrie won’t be returning with the Senators next season, as they are very close to the salary cap ceiling. Comrie was rumored willing to accept a pay cut from last season to remain with the Senators. He was reportedly willing to sign for $2.5 million per season, but no deal was ever made. Comrie’s stock and production has dropped in recent seasons, so signing Kovalev is probably a wiser move for the Senators.