Two other contenders fight Bruins to sign Kovalchuk

A new chapter begins for veteran player Ilya Kovalchuk as he cleared unconditional waivers on Tuesday, allowing the Los Angeles Kings to terminate his contract and make him an unrestricted free agent.

Kovalchuk last appearing in a game on Nov. 9, but he continued to skate and travel with the Kings before leaving the team on Monday. He is now focused on finding a new team and yes, the forward is hoping to stay in the NHL as his agent J.P. Baryy begun the process of meeting with teams on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier today, it was revealed that the Boston Bruins are interested in signing Kovalchuk, who is reportedly looking to join a top contender and would accept a pay cut to do so.

It has now been reported that two other contenders are inquiring about the possibility of adding Kovy to their roster. Per David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins are amongst the teams interested in acquiring his services. 

Kovalchuk collected just three goals and nine points in 17 games with the Kings this season. The veteran forward had 16 goals and 34 points in 64 games last season, his first since returning to the NHL after five years in the KHL. In a total of 897 career games, Kovalchuk has 436 goals and 859 points in the NHL.

We will see if he will rank up some more in the NHL, and if it will be in Boston, Calgary or Pittsburgh… Maybe somewhere else as talks heat up.