Kovalchuk traded to Colorado

Ottawa, ON- The Ottawa Senators have traded Ilya Kovalchuk to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Mikkel Boedker, a 2020 Toronto Maple Leafs 4th round pick and 750K in cash. 

Ilya Kovalchuk came to Ottawa in 2018 and put up 63 points in his first year, while being captain. He was stripped of said captaincy by the new management regime, ever since then the writing was on the wall for the seasoned veteran. This year his numbers tailed off big time and it came to point where he wasn't producing to his 7.75 Million dollar contract. 

Mikkel Boedker comes to Ottawa in the midst of another poor season putting up only 8 points in 22 games and a -9. Boedker is a seasoned vet though who brings a more defensive and safe game then Kovalchuk did. But the big reason for this deal is the salary. Boedker comes in at $4,312,500 less then Ilya Kovalchuk. 

It's true right now this team is no where near spending to the cap, in fact they are hovering right around the salary floor, but this gives alot more flexibility going into the offseason. GM Arsenault knows his team isn't close to competing right now, but if he has the chance to add talent this off season, it'd be surprising to see him pass on that opportuntiy. 

Ottawa also received a 2020 4th and 750K in cash in this deal. That pick in the 4th round brings the Senators up to 10 picks in the very deep 2020 draft class! The scouting mind of GM Arsenault is already running with excitement at the thought of those picks. 

On a final note, don't be surprised to see GM Arsenault now try and flip Boedker again for another pick. He is not done dealing that is for sure.