KOVY TO THE HABS
The Montreal Canadiens acquired right wing Alexei Kovalev from the New York Rangers for winger Jozef Balej and a second-round draft pick 2004.
What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
Which Kovalev will show up in Montreal...the Pittsburgh version or the Rangers model? If the former, the Habs could turn this move into a steal and will likely keep the enigmatic Russian beyond 2003-04. If he fails under the Montreal spotlight, as he has repeatedly in Manhattan, Kovalev's time with the Bleu, Blanc, Rouge will be very short-lived.
What does it give the New York Rangers
Since Kovalev was a shadow of his former self with the Blueshirts, the Rangers received a good return from the Canadiens. Balej should make the Rangers roster in 2004-05 and could be an ideal second-line right wing behind Jaromir Jagr. Furthermore, adding a second-round draft pick is exactly what the Rangers need right now.
Fantasy impact
