Ilya Kovalchuk traded to Capitals by Canadiens for 3rd-round pick
The Washington Capitals are looking to load up for a Stanley Cup playoff run.
The Caps on Sunday acquired Ilya Kovalchuk in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens. The Caps are trading a 3rd-round pick in this year’s draft for the winger.
WELCOME KOVY!!!
Washington trades their 3rd Round selection in 2020 for Ilya Kovalchuk#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/NO6iIj8DuW
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2020
Kovalchuk, 36, was the No. 1 pick in the 2001 NHL Draft. He has 22 points this season, including an assist on Saturday.
Montreal trading him is no surprise. He is set to be a free agent after the season, so the Canadiens wanted to get a return for him prior to the trade deadline.
The Caps will be Kovalchuk’s third team of the season. He began the season with the Kings but was dropped by them before Montreal picked him up.
Washington is third in the NHL in points this season, behind Boston and Tampa Bay.