Ottawa, ON -- (Sports Network) - The Ottawa Senators inked free agent veteran forward Alexei Kovalev to a two-year contract on Monday.

Kovalev recorded 26 goals and 65 points in 78 regular-season games for the Montreal Canadiens last season, his fourth full season with the franchise. Despite two goals and one assist, he was a non-factor in the playoffs as the Habs were eliminated in a four-game first-round sweep against the Boston Bruins.

The 36-year-old lands with his fourth team since beginning his NHL career with the New York Rangers in 1992. Over 1,151 games with the Rangers, Penguins and Canadiens, the Russian has posted 394 goals and 941 points. In 116 playoff games, he has racked up 44 goals and 54 assists, and took home a Stanley Cup with the Blueshirts in 1994.

A three-time All-Star selection (2001, 2003, 2009), Kovalev has also won Olympic Gold with the Unified Team in 1992 and a bronze at the 2002 Games with Russia.

Kovalev's signing may foreshadow the eventual exit of high-scoring forward Dany Heatley, whose fate is currently unknown. The Senators apparently had a deal to send the disgruntled Heatley to Edmonton last week, only to be rebuffed since the 28-year-old declined to waive his no-trade clause.