Montreal Canadiens: Ilya Kovalchuk thriving isn’t a surprise

It may only be a short sample size but IlyaKovalchuk returning to a point-per-game player with the Montreal Canadiens shouldn’t shock anyone.

One of the biggest surprises of 2020 so far has been the return of Ilya Kovalchuk to a point-per-game player with the Montreal Canadiens.

When Kovalchuk signed with Montreal on Jan. 3, many viewed it as a desperate act from a club clinging to playoff hopes. The Canadiens had been devastated by injuries losing several key forwards such as Jonathan Drouin, Joel Armia, Paul Byron, and Brendan Gallagher and had nowhere else to turn.

The early results of Kovalchuk’s addition have seen the winger record seven points in seven games, including an overtime-winning goal against the Ottawa Senators on Jan. 11. He’s averaging just shy of 20 minutes of ice time per game as the depleted Canadiens are giving Kovalchuk every opportunity to succeed.

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It may only be a short sample size but through his two weeks in Montreal, Kovalchuk is helping to repair his reputation around the league. After a difficult stretch with the Los Angeles Kings that ended with the club essentially telling the winger to go away and no longer be a part of the team, Kovalchuk is proving he still has the spark and passion to contribute in the NHL.

This wouldn’t be the first time a player like Kovalchuk joined Montreal and revitalized their career as a pair of fellow Russians flourished in their time with the Canadiens.

Alex Kovalev was viewed as one of the most talented forwards in the game with a compete level that rarely surfaced. After an underwhelming 90 games with the New York Rangers between the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons, Kovalev was shipped to Montreal.

With Montreal, Kovalev became one of the team’s most popular players recording three of his six highest point totals in a season throughout his 19-year career. He was so popular he even released a DVD in French with skill drills and other training methods.

Another Russian winger who helped repair their reputation with the Canadiens was Alex Radulov. After four years outside of the NHL after the Nashville Predators essentially kicked him off the team, Radulov signed a one-year deal for the 2016-17 season. It was impossible to predict what to expect out of Radulov but his skill level ignited the Bell Centre with 54 points in 76 games.

Unfortunately, Montreal decided not to sign Radulov after that season as he’s gone on to record back-to-back 72-point seasons with the Dallas Stars. Instead of matching Dallas’ five-year, $31 million contract offer to keep Radulov, as he’s said he would have preferred to stay in Montreal, the Canadiens gave Karl Alzner a five-year, $23 million contract. For a team that has been desperate for offensive forwards for over a decade, this has been a move that has haunted the club as Alzner spent last season and this season playing in the AHL.

Regardless, history has shown when it comes to Montreal and talented Russian wingers, the fan base has rallied behind them and on-ice production has followed. Montreal is a unique hockey market that adores an offensive skill set and seems to appreciate it a little bit more than other cities. Some markets enjoy their grinders and hard-hitting hockey, but in Montreal talent, on-ice vision, and the ability to wow the crowd will always be the top draw even if that particular talent takes the occasional game off.

As a result, it shouldn’t be overly surprising Kovalchuk has excelled in his short time in Montreal. He found himself an ideal spot with the team needing a top-six forward. He has been given significant ice time he likely wouldn’t have found elsewhere. On top of it all, he has a fan base appreciating everything he’s done in the league, energizing his gameplay while enjoying the sights of #17 in bleu, blanc, et rouge. Another factor he likely wouldn’t have found elsewhere.

If his strong play continues the Canadiens may even be able to trade him to a contender prior to the trade deadline which provides another win-win for both the club and player. Kovalchuk would get an opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup he’s never won and Montreal would earn a small asset for roughly six weeks of work.