The once great wingman for the Penguins, has returned after 8 years with other clubs, including international play. He spent time with the Rangers, Canadiens, Senators, and participated in Russian cups and the Russian olympic team. Kovalev played for the penguins from the 98-99 season onto the 02-03 season. He was dished to the Rangers during the 2003 season after 54 games.
Kovalev as a Penguin scored more than 60 points four times, including a monster season in 00-01 where he scored 44 goals and had 51 assists for 95 total points. In his career as a Penguin he has 149 goals 198 assists and 347 total points. Numbers all of Penguins nation hope to see increase now that he will be wearing a Pen's sweater again.
Pittsburgh only gives up a 7th round pick for Kovalev, however if they do get past the first round of the playoffs, and Kovalev plays in more than 50% of the games, he will then command a 6th round pick instead. Kovalev, unlike James Neal is a wingman rental and not long term, Alexei will become an unrestricted free agent after July 1st.
With Letestu, Kunitz and Jeffrey coming back from injury soon and two new wingmen for them to work with, here is hoping they can both get the Center back they really want to play with in Sidney Crosby before the end of the season.
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