Washington Capitals made the right decision trading for Ilya Kovalchuk
Washington Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan pulled another brilliant trade out of his hat, exchanging a 2020 third round pick to the Montreal Canadiens for Ilya Kovalchuk.
The Washington Capitals showed how all in they are for 2020, landing another forward to add some help to a team that’s struggled with the exception of their win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon. Ilya Kovalchuk is heading to Washington.
The Capitals only lost a 2020 third round pick while the Canadiens will retain 50% of Kovalchuk’s salary. Kovalchuk joins Brenden Dillion as the newest member of the Capitals and there’s no telling if other moves will be made ahead of Monday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.
Kovalchuk struggled to begin the season and got his three year contract terminated by the Los Angles Kings that carried a $6.25 million cap hit. The veteran was signed by the Montreal Canadiens for a steal, a one-year, two-way deal worth $700,000. Washington has just $152,770 in projected cap space per CapFriendly.com.
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Kovalchuk had just three goals and six assists for nine points in 17 games with the Kings before turning his game around with the Canadiens posing six goals and seven assists in 22 games for 13 points. The left winger can fit in anywhere in the top six or even the bottom six as the Caps look to claim their fifth straight Metropolitan Division title.
Brian MacLellan said in the press release:
"“Ilya is a talented offensive player who we feel will provide us with additional depth and flexibility up front. He is a skilled forward who can make plays and contribute to our offensive game.”"
Kovlanchuk recorded a 54.70 shot attempt percentage with the Canadiens. His 0.27 goals per game were tied with Jonathan Drouin for the fourth-highest rating on the team.
Kovalchuk scored seven of his nine goals this season at even strength and his 65.38 on-ice goals for percentage at five-on-five was tied for the highest percentage among Canadiens with at least 20 games played.
The Capitals will be Kovalchuk’s fifth NHL team having spent time in his career with the Atlanta Thrashers, New Jersey Devils, the Kings and the Canadiens. He’s recorded 919 points (442 goals, 430 assists) in 919 career games. He’s had a 30-goal season nine times in his career and he’s one of 45 players in NHL history to accomplish this feat.
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Kovalchuk’s 442 goals rank fifth in the NHL as does his 144 power play goals. The Capitals offense will be a force to be reckoned with having Kovalchuk compliment Alex Ovechkin and company and will be fun to watch in the home stretch. Brian MacLellan worked his magic once again.