Alexei Kovalev Should Be Shopped

The 2008-2009 season is already fired up this year, and I'm intensely waiting for the Canadiens to have their first game of the year this weekend. One of my favorite players is Alexei Kovalev, but I think it might be the time to trade him while his value is high.

People may think I'm kind of crazy in saying this, but I think the Canadiens could be a big winner with the new youth that's in the NHL. Kovalev is coming off an 84-point season and his best statistical season since his 2000-2001 year with the Penguins in which he had 95 points.

He is a great veteran with plenty of experience and wisdom to share with the younger players on the team, so you may ask why get rid of him?

For the same reason I think he may be an advantage, I also think he may be a problem.  He's currently 35 years old, and will be 36 before the season is over. He may seem young to most, but in hockey terms he is becoming an old man. He has over 1000 NHL games under his belt, and that has to wear on anyone—I don't care who you are.

I look around the NHL and see plenty of great, young players who would give us stability now and talent down the road. Eastern Conference rivals the Penguins and the Capitals each have built from youth and now have cup capable teams. I'm not saying we will land an Ovechkin or Crosby, but there's plenty of young great players out there to get.

It's nice to look at this season and see how Kovalev could benefit the Canadiens now, but I like looking into the future. A team wanting a big surge this year may give a lot for Kovalev to capture the cup.

What about Saku Koivu? He is getting a little older too, but he has played his whole NHL career with the Canadiens and I think that means something. He is also a great Captain for the Canadiens and a leader for younger players on the team, so we need to keep a hold on him. In addition, I believe the trading value of Koivu wouldn't be quite as high.

Agree or disagree, I think it would be in the best interests of the Habs to trade Alexei Kovalev this season. We can get talent comparable to Kovalev, but at a younger age so that they may not only help us now, but in the future.

One Stanley Cup would be great, but several more seem better.