Boston Bruins

Feb 2, 2020; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Ilya Kovalchuk (17) prepares for a face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com

The Bruins already bolstered their forward depth by trading for Ondrej Kase last week, but did they come close to adding another name as well?

Following the Washington Capitals acquisition of Ilya Kovalchuk for a third-round pick on Sunday, conflicting reports have indicated the Bruins may have been the runner up. In the fallout of the trade, the stories from Kovalchuk and his agent J.P. Barry haven’t lined up.

Barry told reporters Monday morning that it came down to two teams for Kovalchuk’s services, the Capitals and the Bruins.

When asked about it later in the day, Kovalchuk gave contradictory information.

Kovalchuk did add that whoever the alternatives were, the Canadiens gave him final say on where he would end up. If that’s the case, it’s not unrealistic to say he ‘passed’ on the Bruins if they made an offer the Canadiens would have accepted.

If the Bruins really were in pursuit of Kovalchuk, that could be an indication that they’re not done adding to the roster. The team has until 3 p.m. Monday to make any more trades. You can follow along with our NHL Trade Deadline Live Blog.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Hate mail? Let him hear it on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.

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