OTTAWA (AP) - The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Alex Kovalev to a two-year contract.

Kovalev couldn't hammer out a contract to return to the Montreal
Canadiens, so he reached a deal with the rival Senators on Monday.
Kovalev has played 16 seasons in the NHL, the previous six with Montreal.

Earlier in the day, Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey said Kovalev would not be returning to Montreal next season.

The speedy right winger topped the club last season with 26 goals and 65 points and was chosen as the MVP of the All-Star game, held in Montreal as part of the Canadiens' celebration of their 100th season.

In 1,151 NHL games, with the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Canadiens, Kovalev has 394 goals and 547 assists.