Kovalchuk set to make Canadiens debut vs. Jets

Ilya Kovalchuk will suit up for his first game as a member of the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night versus the Winnipeg Jets, the team announced.

The veteran sniper practiced on the Habs' top line alongside Tomas Tatar and Phillip Danault on Monday morning, according to Sportsnet. Kovalchuk should get significant ice time between that role and the power play.

"Obviously, the coach put me on one of the top lines, so it's a lot of responsibility," Kovalchuk told reporters after the team's morning skate. "But I'm feeling good, I'm ready to go."

Montreal signed Kovalchuk to a one-year, two-way deal worth $700,000 at the NHL level Jan. 3, weeks after the Los Angeles Kings terminated what remained of his previous contract. He hasn't played in a game since Nov. 9 and has posted nine points in 17 games this season.

The Canadiens, who've been hit hard by injuries recently, are hoping the former 50-goal scorer can help boost their attack as they look to climb back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

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