Jonathan Kovacevic Traded to NJ for 2026 4th

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

 

[Oneiro]

Nemec insurance.

 

[AfroThunder396]

Pesce is in shambles right now

 

[Hisch13r]

 

[Devils731]

He’s tall so fits the current profile.

 

[NJDevs26]

What’s the point of this unless Dougie is still questionable for the start of next year or they gank Nemec back to the AHL?

 

[Zippy316]

Great value for him but now the blue line seems really crowded.

Hamilton - Pesce - Nemec - Kovacevic - DeSimone (one-way)
Siegenthaler - Hughes - Dillon (?) - Hatakka

Maybe ownership is willing to pay DeSimone on a one-way deal to play in the minors?

Honestly, I don’t hate the idea, would much rather the team be overflowing with quality options, but interesting to see how this shakes out.

 

[OmNomNom]

Gonna guess he yoyos between Utica and here

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

I think Tom Fitzgerald cooked here. That’s nothing for fine RHD depth. But I was very comfortable with DeSimone anyway.

 

[RSeen]

Odd move...

 

[Forge]

What’s the point of this unless Dougie is still questionable for the start of next year or they gank Nemec back to the AHL?

I'd imagine he's the 7th D and the team thinks that they can push Desimone through waivers to the AHL based on his one way deal.

 

[Bleedred]

What’s the point of this unless Dougie is still questionable for the start of next year or they gank Nemec back to the AHL?

I feel like this probably pushes DeSimone down the depth chart if anything.

 

[Ieatsht4brkfst]

great player, consistent humble 6-7 defenceman

 

[AfroThunder396]

Really like him as a 7th defenseman, but makes DeSimone look really unnecessary.

 

[Bcap88]

What’s the point of this unless Dougie is still questionable for the start of next year or they gank Nemec back to the AHL?

Likely 7th defensemen so mcdermaid doesn’t have to fill it if someone gets hurt

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Big, but more importantly, pretty good

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

This is a pretty good move, DiSimone on a one way deal probably gets through waivers.

 

[Emperoreddy]

Yeah I'm guessing this is the Smith replacement and Desimone is thr waiver yoyo

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

Really like him as a 7th defenseman, but makes DeSimone look really unnecessary.

Can be hidden in the event of injuries, NJ should have 9 defensmen they feel comfortable with. That doesn’t include Casey.

 

[Better Call Sal]

I’m cool with this.

 

[Emperoreddy]

Really like him as a 7th defenseman, but makes DeSimone look really unnecessary.

More depth isn't a bad thing and Desimone should be able to clear waivers

 

[Bleedred]

Maybe he's only here to surround Jake Allen with a buddy from Montreal?!

 

[Devilsgrl35]

Seems like a good depth move. Injuries are going to happen and we can't be relying on kids who aren't ready and lack experience, especially on defense.

 

[Triumph]

The Devils don't have RH depth in the minors, all they have is Casey and Diotte, and Diotte may not be ready for the AHL. So I think DeSimone and Kovacevic compete for the 7th D spot, with DeSimone likely being sent down.

But this is surprising. The only thing that makes me think this move has a distinct purpose is that this is the 2nd player the Devils have traded for with a minimum or below-minimum contract (Kovacevic is below the minimum).

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

I’m sure there will be nights we go 7D with this guy instead of icing MacDumbass