I'm surprised and delighted by how well he is playing, he looks 27 not 37 out there. I guess he's motivated to make sure his career doesn't end with a whimper as it seemed it would in LA - its clear that he is one of those enigmatic talents where his success is as much in his head as what his body will allow him. If he sustains his point per game pace in the next few weeks he might, considering his tiny cap hit, fetch more than this from a contender. Won't get a first though, too risky for the other team if he goes to a new environment, decides he doesn't like the coach or the system for whatever reason even if that team is higher in the standings, and regresses.

Pass. Not giving up a mid pick and a penalty killer for another 3rd liner that’s no better than what’s there already.

At this, I don't see Montreal trading Kovalchuk for a 3rd round pick. A team will have to overpay to get him.

Most likely he just resigns here for another year if we don't trade him.

After 50 games last year, the Habs had 48 points and missed the playoffs by 1 point. This year, they have 51 points and are within 6 of the third spot in the division. Unless they go back into a tailspin, I don't see the Habs making any moves besides perhaps adding a little depth. Meanwhile, Kovalchuk appears to be having a ton of fun. If he is willing to re-sign for a reasonable sum and term (maybe $2M) and agrees to some load management, I could imagine him staying in Montreal for even a couple of years.