A quick thought, as the rumor mill is quiet so far today...

Tonight Alex Kovalev returns to Montreal. Kovalev had a better than average few seasons in Montreal but the city is on fire with anticipation. People marched outside with signs when this player was about to sign elsewhere. They love Kovalev here. Simply adore him. Saku Koivu built wings of hospitals and captained the team for years and left without as much hoopla.

I want to know why.

I saw Kovalev in NY and Pittsburgh wear out his welcome. Gretzky called him among the most talented player he had ever played with when the two were in NY. That was when Kovalev was playing.

Don't get me wrong here. I like Kovalev very much as a person. He is far too interesting a human being to be a hockey player. I have talked to him about art, and flying, and music...His personality is definitely tailored made for the city of Montreal.

He loves Montreal as much as Montreal loves him. But as a player, and for what he cost I actually think Gainey made the right move letting him go and then Bryan Murray made a bizarre move offering him twice as much as anyone else would have offered.

Is it really that Montreal, the fans of this franchise, simply adore his artistic ways? Is this a cultural phenomena? I think so, but I would like to hear what you all think.

I will be back with stuff on Edmonton, Atlanta, and Philly prior to tonight's games...

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