There’s only one way Ilya Kovalchuk works for the Boston Bruins.
The Boston Bruins find themselves in their worst offensive stretch of the season. The Bruins only have seven goals in the last four games, all losses. The power play is ice cold, and even David Pastrnak only has one goal in his last five games.
Another big reason behind the offensive struggles is a continued lack of secondary scoring. The Bruins still don’t have a second-line right wing to play next to David Krejci. Brett Ritchie and his two goals in 19 games slotted there in the past two games, but he’s certainly not a long-term solution.
With no obvious solution right now, here’s something the Bruins can do to fill that gaping hole at right wing: take a shot with Ilya Kovalchuk.
Kovalchuk is a fit for the Bruins only if the Kings terminate his contract
A little over a month ago we detailed why a Kovalchuk trade was not a good idea for the Bruins. He’s well past his prime, and his $6.25 million cap hit isn’t manageable.
However, there are reports now that the Kings may terminate Kovalchuk’s contract. No team wants to trade for Kovalcuk and his contract, so the Kings might have no choice but to terminate his contract. A termination makes Kovalchuk an unrestricted free agent.
Hearing Kovalchuk's contract with the LA Kings will be terminated but Ilya still wants to stay in the NHL while having a lucrative offer from Omsk Avangard in the KHL #gokingsgo
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) December 13, 2019
If the Kings terminate his contract, there a few reasons why Kovalchuk is an attractive piece for Boston. First, the Bruins can sign him at a reasonable cap hit. They wouldn’t take on the $6.25 million; instead, Boston could do what the San Jose Sharks did with Patrick Marleau earlier this year and sign him at a low number.
Second, the Bruins can bring Kovalchuk in and lose nothing off the roster. Forwards, even depth ones, typically cost a lot this time of year, but Kovalchuk would cost nothing.
Third, Kovalchuk, even at this point, is still better than anything else the Bruins can put next to Krejci. It’s sad but true.
A last thing to consider: Kovalchuk comes at virtually no risk if the Kings terminate his contract. What’s the worst thing that could happen if the Bruins bring him in? If he doesn’t work out, Boston releases him and that’s it. Both he and the team move on.
What’s the best thing that can happen? Kovalchuk can be a temporary solution that turns into something more permanent as the year goes on. He did have 16 goals in 64 games last year. Maybe he can recapture his youth and give some production in the middle-six and on the second power play unit.
Some say a move for Kovalchuk, even as a free agent, reeks of desperation. But honestly, the Bruins are desperate to find someone to occupy that second-line right wing spot. Take a shot with Kovalchuk and see where that gets you.