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Alex Kovalev reveals that he made a huge blunder with the Montreal Canadiens

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Elias Edmonson
September 7, 2023  (3:37 PM)
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From his arrival with the Montreal Canadiens in the 2002-2003 season, Alex Kovalev quickly became a crowd favorite. Whether it was through his exceptional feints, his ease at weaving between opposing defenders, or his formidable shot, the former number 27 of the Tricolore put on an incredible show every time he had possession of the puck.

He was simply electrifying on the ice and he certainly rendered proud services to the Montreal organization during his five seasons with the team. Notably, he is the last CH player to have broken the 80-point mark, scoring 35 goals and 49 assists in 82 games during the 2007-2008 season.

To the great dismay of the fans, Alex Kovalev unfortunately decided to leave the Canadiens the following summer to join the Ottawa Senators. However, in a recent interview with Alexandre Gascon of Radio-Canada, the main party admitted that he made a serious mistake by not accepting the offer from the Tricolore, regretting not continuing his career in Montreal.

I wanted to stay in Montreal. I had found success there and I love the city. The organization was like a family. I made a mistake and became a bit too greedy. On the other hand, I wanted to be shown respect, which I did not get. I was not asking for much more, just a small increase.

If I had to do it over again, I would accept the offer from the Canadiens rather than agree with the Senators in the summer of 2009. There would have been a bit of bitterness anyway, because I wanted to be recognized for what I had accomplished for the team, but I think it would have been much better for my career. I would probably say: OK, I will take it even if they show me a bit of disrespect, but it's more important for my family and me. - Alex Kovalev

Wow! We bet that many fans would have preferred if he had set his pride aside and signed a new deal with the CH, being undoubtedly the best player on the team at that time. However, it is still very pleasant to see how much Kovy enjoyed his time with the Montreal Canadiens.

In hindsight, I enjoyed each of my seasons in Montreal. I experienced highs and lows, demanding moments. I learned important life lessons there, important things for my career.

I am able to adjust, adapt, and recover from difficult situations to always be successful. I learned a lot and loved every moment. If I had so much success, I really think it's thanks to the fans once again. - Alex Kovalev

In five seasons with the Tricolore, the Artist scored 103 goals and had 161 assists (264 points) in 311 games, also adding 31 points in 33 playoff games. Moreover, during his 20 seasons in the league, the Russian forward recorded an impressive total of 1029 points.

We strongly invite you to read the excellent column by Alexandre Gascon:

POLL

Do you believe that Alex Kovalev ranks in the top 5 of the best forwards to have played for the CH since the beginning of the 2000s?

Yes9780.2 %
No2419.8 %
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