Kovalev returns to Rangers

SCARBOROUGH, Ontario, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- The New York Rangers reportedly have acquired All-Star right wing Alexei Kovalev as part of an eight-player trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

According to Sportsnet of Canada, Kovalev was sent to New York with center Dan Lacouture and defensemen Janne Laukkanen and Mike Wilson for wingers Rico Fata and Mikael Samuelsson, defensemen Joel Bouchard and Richard Lintner and $4 million.

The cash-strapped Penguins have been looking to unload Kovalev, who is making $4.6 million in the final year of his contract.