Capitals Acquire Ilya Kovalchuk From Canadiens

The Washington Capitals are atop the Metropolitan Division and want to keep getting better ahead of the NHL postseason.

The team did just that Sunday with a trade that sends Ilya Kovalchuk from Montreal to Washington in exchange for a third-round pick.

The veteran is on a minimum deal this season and joined the Canadiens after being cut by the Los Angeles Kings. He's easily been worth the bargain deal he was signed for, logging a total of 22 points in 39 games. Heading to the nation's capital, he'll add a veteran presence to a Capitals team looking to defend its title.

The Canadiens have also agreed to retain half of Kovalchuk's 2020 salary, further sweetening the deal for the Caps.

Kovalchuk has had a long professional career that has seen him play in both Russia and the United States. He is in the twilight of his career and now has a chance to help the Capitals repeat as Stanley Cup champions.

Other contending teams looking to bolster the roster ahead of the deadline just missed out on one of the top targets at the deadline.