With Brendan Gallagher, Joel Armia and Jonathan Drouin out right now, the Canadiens are looking for help upfront. Kovalchuk, whose contract was terminated by the Kings in mid-December, is a low-risk option that Montreal will be able to send to Laval (AHL) if it comes to that. Kovalchuk had just three goals and six assists (nine points) in 17 games with the Kings earlier in the year.

Kovalchuk has not played since November 9th and the Kings have decided to part ways with the 36-year-old Russian winger. Kovalchuk will become a UFA and could sign with another NHL team or return to Russia.

It looks like the Kings are done with Kovalchuk, who they have told he is welcome to practice with the club but will not be playing. Los Angeles will likely try to move Kovalchuk but it won't be easy to move a deal that has another year remaining with a $6.25M AAV cap-hit. A return to Russia is always in the cards for Kovalchuk as well.

Kovalchuk will return to the lineup a little earlier than expected and will look to rediscover his early-season form. Kovalchuk will have no minute cap in his return to the lineup and will try to snap an 11-game pointless streak.

Kovalchuk was originally expected to miss four weeks bu will return less than three weeks after undergoing a procedure on his ankle. Kovalchuk’s return to the NHL got off to a nice start, scoring five goals and nine assists (14 points) in his first 14 games but went pointless in 11 games before getting hurt.

After five years in the KHL, Kovalchuk will return to the NHL in 2019 with the Kings. Kovalchuk scored 31 goals with 32 assists (63 points) in 53 KHL games last season and carried a 1.1 points-per-game and averaged 50 games played, 23-goals and 32 assists in his six seasons in Russia. The Kings’ first line left-winger ranks 92nd at the position, so Kovalchuk is a huge upgrade, even at 35-years-old. He had 11 goals and 20 assists (31 points) in 37 games during his last NHL season.

Kovalchuk surprisingly hangs up his skates to likely play in Russia. Kovalchuk retires with 816 points (417 goals) in 816 games.

Kovalchuk had been practicing but didn't appear to be close so this is a surprise. Be sure to adjust your lineups and get the sniper in there.

It was originally reported that Kovalchuk was going to Philly with Devils and would play if he felt okay after morning skate

Not much of an update on the star winger, but it's safe to leave him on the bench tonight.

Kovalchuk is just about ready to drop in yearly leagues if you need the roster spot. He hasn't even started doing heavy shooting in practice, yet.

There was speculation that Kovalchuk might return tonight, but he will miss his ninth straight game with a shoulder injury.

Monitor Kovalchuk's status prior to tomorrow's game.

The next possible date for him to return would be Monday vs. Toronto.

Kovalchuk skated yesterday as well, it was the first time he has been on the ice since suffering a shoulder injury on March 23rd. He is not quite ready to return but could be back next week.