Former Canadiens star Alex Kovalev, traded to the Ottawa Senators this week, said Tuesday that he had hoped to finish his career in the red, white and blue but accepts that it won't happen.
Kovalev, speaking in a conference call to reporters, said the Habs's offer was put on the table and then quickly withdrawn before he had a chance to negotiate.
The 36-year-old Russian winger said he was left with no choice but to begin talks with another team.
Kovalev said he holds no ill will towards his old team, adding he was touched that his fans rallied at the Bell Centre on the weekend to press the team to keep him in town.
The Habs have acquired seven players and let several veterans go in the past seven days as General Manager Bob Gainey tries to remake a team that was blown out in the first round of the playoffs this past season.
The highs
Kovalev was the first Russian ever drafted in the first round, entering the NHL in 1991 with the New York Rangers. He was traded to Montreal prior to the 2005-06 season, and scored more than 100 goals with the club.
A highlight of Kovalev's career with the Habs came in the 2007-08 season when he recorded 35 goals and 49 assists for 84 points in 82 games.
Last season he reached even greater heights, winning MVP of the All-Star Game at the Bell Centre with two goals, an assist and the game-winner in a shootout.
The Lows
Then, in February, things took a dramatic turn when Kovalev, struggling to score, was asked to rest for a few games by Gainey.
That led to speculation that the winger was on his way out of town.
The news was confirmed Monday when Kovalev signed a two-year, $10 million deal with Ottawa.
- With files from The Canadian Press -
