The New Jersey Devils have strengthened their defense by acquiring Johnathan Kovacevic from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. Kovacevic, a 26-year-old two-way defenseman, has shown his skills as a reliable puck carrier and penalty killer, making valuable contributions for Montreal in a third-pairing role. He is expected to serve as the 7th defenseman on the Devils roster, especially if they sign Brett Pesce in free agency.
Kovacevic played 62 games with the Canadiens during the 2023-24 season, registering six goals, seven assists, and 42 penalty minutes. Initially claimed via waivers on October 8, 2022, Kovacevic has proven himself as a dependable defenseman in the NHL, having played a total of 143 games with Montreal and the Winnipeg Jets, accumulating 28 points and 83 penalty minutes.
Todd Cordell notes that Kovacevic’s defensive metrics are impressive, especially among Canadiens defensemen who played at least 400 minutes at 5-on-5 last season. He ranked first in goals against per 60 minutes (GA/60), third in Corsi against per 60 minutes (CA/60), and fourth in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60), showcasing his defensive prowess.
Cordell also highlights Kovacevic’s size, standing at 6’5” and weighing over 220 pounds, which adds significant physical presence to the Devils’ lineup. This aligns with the team’s recent strategy of acquiring larger players, enhancing their defensive depth and overall team stability for the upcoming season.
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