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3 Teams Show Interest in Ilya Kovalchuk

Eric Francis of Sportsnet reports three news teams have entered the race for Ilya Kovalchuk prior to the trade deadline.

Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports that the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames have all recently shown some interest in Ilya Kovalchuk out of Montreal.

A player who has exceeded expectations, it was reported earlier this week that executives believed it might take a mid-round pick to pry him from the Canadiens and that there was some debate about whether or not Montreal would be willing to move him for such a low ask.

But, as more teams hop into the mix, perhaps his price goes up.

And, while Kovalchuk appears happy with his role in Montreal and how he’s rebounded this season, he’s refused to talk about any sort of extension with the team. Earlier this week he told reporters that he didn’t want to talk about a future in Montreal, indicating the team should be focused on the next few weeks and seeing if there was any way they could salvage making the playoffs. Reading between the lines, it appears Kovalchuk is aware he could be moved.

Montreal is actually back within five points of the final Atlantic Division playoff spot (with three more games played than the Florida Panthers) so they’re not completely out of it and could choose to hang onto Kovalchuk. But, a couple of losses and other teams, like the ones mentioned above, could be ready to make a deal.

Kovalchuk might be a player that moves extremely close to the deadline if he’s moved and undoubtedly, more than these three teams will have kicked tires.

Related: Buffalo Sabres on the Verge of Making Drastic Trade?

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