Gainey told Montreal radio station CJAD that the club did make an offer but the Russian star took too long to consider the deal.  "We hadn’t agreed on the amount, but another player was willing to come and join our team," Gainey said. "So the dollars that we had allotted there for a particular position were grabbed up by another player."

The team’s roster is going to look so different in the coming season.  In addition to losing the winger, captain Saku Koivu believes that he might not be offered a contract, Montreal was busy at the free agency deadline and the team has new owners (and a new coach).

With all their wheeling and dealing, the Habs still have $9 million remaining under the salary cap but they also have four restricted free agents left to sign.

Where do you think Kovalev will go?

***UPDATE*** Kovalev has signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Ottawa Senators.

image: TSN

Post from: Hockey Beat