Kovalchuyk already wants out of Los Angeles?!

Last summer, it was madness on the free agent market when veteran forward Ilya Kovalchyuk landed on there, looking for a return in the National Hockey League. We might be about to get the same chaos on the trade market ahead of the Feb. 25 deadline as the Russian star could be willing to waive his full no-movement clause. 

As we all know, the Los Angeles Kings are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline, seeking a path back into the right direction to become Cup contenders after a couple of terrible seasons... While some players remain untouchables in the City of Angels, it seems like GM Rob Blake could be willing to approach Kovalchyuk about a trade and The Fourth Period reports that the veteran forward could accept to be moved to a contending team. 

"Kovalchuk owns a full no-movement clause as part of his three-year contract with the Kings, however, according to TFP Editor-in-Chief David Pagnotta, the 35-year-old is in fact willing to waive his NMC for the right situation, presumably a contending team.

Sources close to the situation have also told TFP the Kings may be willing to retain a portion of Kovalchuk’s $6.25 million annual salary cap hit, depending on the offer being presented."

During the past offseason, several teams were looking to land Kovalchyuk, including New York Islanders, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks, who might make an offer to the Kings ahead of the deadline. It remains to be seen what the Kings would ask in return and which team will be willing to meet the price tag... 

"It’s unclear what the asking price on Kovalchuk is from the Kings, but L.A. GM Rob Blake is willing to explore the possibility and is expected to have a conversation with Kovalchuk and his agent in the near future once options become more clear," we can read form TFP's report. 

It seems like Kovalchyuk hasn't been happy in LA ever since new interim head coach Willie Desjardins took over and moved him down the lineup. After he started the season with 14 points in his first 14 games, Kovalchuyk now has posted 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 42 games on the season.

A change of scenery and a cup run could get him going again.