Rumor: Kings want to trade Ilya Kovalchuk, 2 possible destinations

The LA Kings find themselves in a tough spot, with an aging roster, inconsistent goaltending, and a struggle to find themselves an identity. A recipe which doesn't normally formulate wins, and the team continues to work the phones to make changes.

According to Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic, Ilya Kovalchuk will likely be moved before the trade deadline and his potential destinations should not surprise you. When Ilya signed his last deal with the Kings, LA was in a battle against the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks for the Russian's services. LeBrun believes both teams will make a run at trading for Kovalchuk.

Expect teams to wait until after December 15th, as Kovalchuk is due $2.65 million signing bonus on this date and most of his actual salary of $700,000 will be paid by then, so essentially it's bargain shopping for the Bruins or Sharks. And although his cap hit is roughly $6.25 million next season, the actual cash is only just over $4 million.

Kovalchuk seems rejuvenated under a new coach in LA, which bodes perfectly well to increasing his trade value.