Ilya Kovalchuk in Moscow. (ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- The NHL Draft is tonight and the Bruins don't pick until number 57 tomorrow, at least unless general manager Don Sweeney makes a trade.
"It's a unique time, you've got a lot of balls in the air," Sweeney said. "Still looking to improve our team, and having conversation with our own guys."
Sweeney said he's still in conversations with his free agents, including Rick Nash, Anton Khudobin, and Sean Kuraly.
The GM also confirmed Boston's interest in free agent winger Ilya Kovalchuk.
"We did not meet in person, but we've spoken, and had numerous conversations with representatives as to where they're at," Sweeney said. "We feel we're a team he has strong interest in, and we're going to see where it goes between now and however long it takes for him to make a decision. I think we're in a position to certainly explore that. We did talk very specifically about our roster with him and where we see him fitting in, and what he brings to the table."
Kovalchuk's 35 and hasn't played in the NHL since 2013, but he's posted back-to-back 30-goal seasons in the KHL.
"Five years removed from the NHL, a lot has changed," Sweeney said. "But I think he'll be fine. He's played on big stages and been very successful. Unique talent, and fits into probably a slot that we could utilize, hopefully utilize if it comes to fruition."
Several teams are interested in Kovalchuk's services.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports