Ilya Kovalchuk would like to return to the NHL. That much we know. What we don't know is where he'll be playing if and when that happens.
The New Jersey Devils could certainly use the offensive boost but Kovalchuk may want to play elsewhere and/or the 34-year-old may not be in Ray Shero's plans.
Should the Devils decide to move him in a sign-and-trade, which is certainly a possibility, there should be no shortage of suitors for Kovalchuk.
He is coming off a dominant season in the KHL -- he had 78 points in 60 games -- and his performance in recent years suggests he should still be able to produce at a 1st line rate in the NHL.
Again, there should be a lot of interest but a couple of potential landing spots that stand out to me are Montreal and San Jose.
It's no secret the Canadiens are desperate for offense and fully intent on getting Carey Price some more goal support this off-season. Adding a player like Kovalchuk would certainly help.
As for San Jose, Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton are on expiring contracts. I imagine at least one of those guys will move on, for one reason or another, and that would free up $6.6 million or more to spend elsewhere.
Kovalchuk seemed to enjoy playing for Pete DeBoer as the team had success, and Kovalchuk was used in every situation, so a reunion could make sense.
It's possible Kovalchuk simply signs in New Jersey and this is all moot. In saying that, if a sign-and-trade is on the table I wouldn't be surprised to see those teams involved.
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The Mississauga Steelheads destroyed the Peterborough Petes, 7-0, on Wednesday night to complete the sweep and advance to the OHL Final.
Michael McLeod scored a goal and added an assist in the win while Nathan Bastian chipped in with an assist.
McLeod is 2nd in playoff scoring with 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 15 games and is averaging four shots per game. McLeod has also been dominant in the faceoff circle winning almost 62% of his draws. The 18-year-old really has taken his game up a notch and is arguably the biggest reason the Steelheads are on the run they're on.
Meanwhile, Bastian has 13 points (six goals, seven assists) through 15 games while centering his own line. He's played a lot of center over the last while because he is capable of doing so and it helps the Steelheads balance their lines. Clearly, it's been working but I still view him as a winger if and when he ever makes it to the NHL.
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