[Jlg-28]

Source: TSN.com

The Montreal Canadiens acquired high-scoring winger Alex Kovalev from the New York Rangers Tuesday night in exchange for prospect Josef Balej and a second round pick in 2004.

Kovalev is earning $6.6 million US this year and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The trade was Bob Gainey's first since taking over the general manager's job in Montreal last summer. It also marks the start of what is expected to be a busy week in New York, as the struggling Rangers try and offload some of their high-priced players before the March 9 trading deadline.

In Kovalev, the Canadiens get a player who has scored 30 or more goals in each of the last three seasons. Montreal is desperate for offence as it tries to hold on to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Balej, 22, leads the Hamilton Bulldogs - Montreal's American Hockey League affiliate - in every offensive category this year. In 55 games, he has 25 goals and 58 points.


wow , I knew the Rangers and Canadiens might make some deals , but I didn't think they make a trade with each other.