Alexei Kovalev is saying all the right things tonight, indicating he wants to return to Montreal but it has been no secret that Canadiens GM Bob Gainey has been shopping Kovalev for the past couple weeks.

It is believed that the Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild and the Columbus Blue Jackets have made an inquiry about the Habs asking price as Kovalev sits at home during the Canadiens current two game road trip. Reports out of Canada indicate the “Jackets are believed to be very interested” in Kovalev.
The Predators have been actively pursuing the market for some help upfront and are due to make a small profit this season. They may be willing to spend some money to make a strong playoff push.
Two questionable rumors going around is one where Kovalev could be apart of major deal involving Tampa Bay’s Vinny Lecavalier to make the salary match up and another is the Canadiens shipping Kovalev/roster player to Minnesota for Marian Gaborik
It still remains to be seen whether the Penguins will get seriously involved in talks with the Canadiens about Kovalev. Stay tuned for that
Darren Dregger of TSN speculates the Oilers are interested in Kovalev.
A few weeks ago RDS.CA mentioned the Penguins, Flames and Capitals as potential teams that could acquire Kovalev.