Dany who? Senators Pick up Alexei Kovalev

After a relatively quiet front on the free agency market for the Ottawa Senators, the team has picked up forward Alexei Kovalev.

It was reported earlier by TSN that the 36-year old Kovalev would not be returning to the Montreal Canadiens. Apparently the player took too long in deciding to accept an offer from the Canadiens and they subsequently spent the money on an unspecified player. The Canadiens signed forwards Brian Gionta and Mike Cammaleri on the first day of free agency. Kovalev's signing means that Senators will receive a player with a tumultuous past. Last season, Kovalev, like many other players on the Canadiens, struggled to perform under intense pressure. Expectations were enormous in Montreal as the team celebrated its centenary year. Kovalev was even sent home for a couple of days during the season to "clear his head." Yet when he wants to be, the Russian-born Kovalev can be a dominant force on the ice. In 2007-2008 he scored 35 goals and added 49 assists in a campaign where he was often the best player on the ice. Despite his struggles last season, Kovalev still played in 78 games and recorded 65 points. Previous rumours had Kovalev returning the the Habs, or finding a new home with the Atlanta Thrashers or Los Angeles Kings. Meanwhile, the Senators have not been able to find a home for disgruntled forward Dany Heatley, who requested a trade in June. For his career, Kovalev has 941 points in 1151 games. The Senators signed the forward to a two year contract worth $10 million.