Value of: Jonathan Kovacevic

[Monsieur Verdoux]

No, I don't think the Devils will trade him. But just for fun, what would be his value if the Devils traded him at the trade deadline?

Kovacevic has been great for the Devils. His TOI is about 20 minutes per game, and Siegenthaler - Kovacevic has been one of the best pairings in the NHL analytically. His cap hit is only $766,667.

David Savard, Rasmus Ristolainen, Seth Jones and Cody Ceci are the best RHD's in the latest The Athletic's NHL Trade Board, so there aren't many good options for teams to trade for.

In this situation, the Devils could trade Kovacevic, use those assets for a 3rd line center, and move Nemec up the lineup. Of course, cap space, among other reasons, would be an issue, so that's not going to happen.

So just for fun, what would be Kovacevic's value?

Click to read more...

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

...or...the Devils can just give him back to Montreal, we'll give you back your 4th in 2026, and call it even...

 

[HugeInTheShire]

I think the Devils should seriously consider doing this, they likely know what he'd be willing to sign for and if they find a team that's okay with the cost he'd be worth something.
Like if SJ wants him would they pay Ceci at 50% and their 2nd for him?

A move like this moves Nemec up and gives them Ceci as a replacement if Nemec falters plus gives them an additional 2nd

 

[Richard88]

Avs have 2 2nd's in the 2025 draft, NYR's and Carolina's. Would the later of the two be enough?

 

[majormajor]

If Kovacevic has been as good as Devils fans are saying, then why would they not insist on having him for the playoff run? Nemec or Ceci could be a big drop off.

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

Avs have 2 2nd's in the 2025 draft, NYR's and Carolina's. Would the later of the two be enough?

I wouldn't do it. Not enough incentive for the Devils to make this trade.

A 2nd (mid-round) + b prospect would be minimum price for me to consider this.

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

If Kovacevic has been as good as Devils fans are saying, then why would they not insist on having him for the playoff run? Nemec or Ceci could be a big drop off.

He definitely has been great, and as I said, this is only for fun. I would only trade him for overpayment and to get a 3rd line center.

The Devils have surplus on the right side and they need a 3rd line center. But I agree that Nemec would be a big drop off for Kovacevic.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

If Kovacevic has been as good as Devils fans are saying, then why would they not insist on having him for the playoff run? Nemec or Ceci could be a big drop off.

It's just my opinion but I'm all about asset management and don't feel NJ is a serious threat in the playoffs. So I'd be tempted to move off of him if the price was right. Got him for a 4th and sold him for a 2nd and replacement player... Works for me.

 

[Forge]

It's just my opinion but I'm all about asset management and don't feel NJ is a serious threat in the playoffs. So I'd be tempted to move off of him if the price was right. Got him for a 4th and sold him for a 2nd and replacement player... Works for me.

I understand the sentiment, just don't believe that a team would sell like that while they are firmly in the playoffs. At least not without getting a current asset to help back like the Avs / Hurricanes just did.

Is there a hockey trade that could be made between the devils and Avs or Stars ?

 

[majormajor]

It's just my opinion but I'm all about asset management and don't feel NJ is a serious threat in the playoffs. So I'd be tempted to move off of him if the price was right. Got him for a 4th and sold him for a 2nd and replacement player... Works for me.

The East is wide open this year and you're out here trying to get a 2nd round pick in a shit draft.

 

[Monsieur Verdoux]

In reality, the Devils can do both, keep Kovacevic and trade for a third line center with their three second round picks.

I'd also like to keep Kovacevic (5 x $ 4.5 million or something like that) and trade Pesce if that was possible. Unfortunately it isn't.

 

[Fjordy]

In reality, the Devils can do both, keep Kovacevic and trade for a third line center with their three second round picks.

I'd also like to keep Kovacevic (5 x $ 4.5 million or something like that) and trade Pesce if that was possible. Unfortunately it isn't.

Sabres could use both.

 

[Richard88]

I understand the sentiment, just don't believe that a team would sell like that while they are firmly in the playoffs. At least not without getting a current asset to help back like the Avs / Hurricanes just did.

Is there a hockey trade that could be made between the devils and Avs or Stars ?

How about Kovacevic+ for Colton?

NJ get a local guy who can play 3C. Avs improve their 3rd pairing and create some capspace for another big move.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

I understand the sentiment, just don't believe that a team would sell like that while they are firmly in the playoffs. At least not without getting a current asset to help back like the Avs / Hurricanes just did.

Is there a hockey trade that could be made between the devils and Avs or Stars ?

That's why I floated the idea of getting a replacement player plus for him, assuming they aren't planning on re-signing him.

The East is wide open this year and you're out here trying to get a 2nd round pick in a shit draft.

Sure, I just don't see the Devils as a serious threat and if you're not a serious threat why not cash in on his good year. Getting another 2nd doesn't mean draft a player either, they can be traded again.

 

[HBK27]

How about Kovacevic+ for Colton?

NJ get a local guy who can play 3C. Avs improve their 3rd pairing and create some capspace for another big move.

Yeah, depending on the plus that is a type of deal I think NJ would be interested in, though not sure if they could fit his cap hit without moving some salary.

 

[dgibb10]

How about Kovacevic+ for Colton?

NJ get a local guy who can play 3C. Avs improve their 3rd pairing and create some capspace for another big move.

I would not offer a +

There is 1 destination I'd feasibly expect Colorado could get away with asking Colton to waive his full NTC for. And that's his hometownNJD. Which means a price haircut.

He also was traded for 37th overall, and I don't see any reason to suggest he's raised his value since then.

Tbh in negotiations I'd be the one asking for the +, or Col can go call about Cody Ceci, Henri Jokiharju, and David Savard and see what those guys cost at 750k

 

[HugeInTheShire]

How about Kovacevic+ for Colton?

NJ get a local guy who can play 3C. Avs improve their 3rd pairing and create some capspace for another big move

Depends on the plus, if it's Stillman level player or 4th I'd do it. If it's a higher pick or better prospect I wouldn't

 

[dgibb10]

Depends on the plus, if it's Stillman level player or 4th I'd do it. If it's a higher pick or better prospect I wouldn't

I think the Devils should seriously consider doing this, they likely know what he'd be willing to sign for and if they find a team that's okay with the cost he'd be worth something.
Like if SJ wants him would they pay Ceci at 50% and their 2nd for him?

A move like this moves Nemec up and gives them Ceci as a replacement if Nemec falters plus gives them an additional 2nd

These two comments don't line up value wise imo.

SJS 2nd >= Colton (based on previous Colton trade+him having an NTC)

So why is SJS adding, but we're adding to Col?

 

[WTFMAN99]

In reality, the Devils can do both, keep Kovacevic and trade for a third line center with their three second round picks.

I'd also like to keep Kovacevic (5 x $ 4.5 million or something like that) and trade Pesce if that was possible. Unfortunately it isn't.

I think because Pesce was just signed, Hamilton at big money already and maybe needing to squeeze in Nemec along with a Hughes extension, Kovacevic may be hitting UFA this summer but I think he's going to be an own rental for NJD.

I could see Toronto coming up with similar like 4.5M x5 for him and he's a local kid so hopefully it works out.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

These two comments don't line up value wise imo.

SJS 2nd >= Colton (based on previous Colton trade+him having an NTC)

So why is SJS adding, but we're adding to Col?

SJ would be signing him, Colorado would be renting.

 

[Smitty426]

If Kovacevic has been as good as Devils fans are saying, then why would they not insist on having him for the playoff run? Nemec or Ceci could be a big drop off.

He has been
Was added in the summer as the 7th Dman just in case
Stole Nemecs job from him with help from Nemec of course.
I dont see them trading him.

 

[dgibb10]

SJ would be signing him, Colorado would be renting.

Rentals are rentals. Both teams are paying for the 1 year of control we have on him.

This RHD UFA market (Burns, Pionk, Perbix, Ekblad, Fabbro, all almost certainly unavailable) means personally I'd be asking for top dollar on Kovacevic if placed on the market.

Especially with all of the following as potential RHD buyers

Edmonton
Tor
Tampa
Fla
Dallas
Colorado
WPG
Min
Van

 

[HugeInTheShire]

Rentals are rentals. Both teams are paying for the 1 year of control we have on him.

This RHD UFA market (Burns, Pionk, Perbix, Ekblad, Fabbro, all almost certainly unavailable) means personally I'd be asking for top dollar on Kovacevic if placed on the market.

View attachment 969181

Especially with all of the following as potential RHD buyers

Edmonton
Tor
Tampa
Fla
Dallas
Colorado
WPG
Min
Van

You asked for the difference and the entire fist part of the 1st post is pretty clearly about a team like SJ being okay with his ask and re-signing him. The second post is about a pure rental.
You're changing the original comment to fit your narrative.

 

[dgibb10]

You asked for the difference and the entire fist part of the 1st post is pretty clearly about a team like SJ being okay with his ask and re-signing him. The second post is about a pure rental.
You're changing the original comment to fit your narrative.

Rentals are rentals.

There is no "signed price" and then a separate "rental price".

Why would it require more value for you to sell him to SJS than to Colorado?

 

[HugeInTheShire]

Rentals are rentals.

There is no "signed price" and then a separate "rental price".

There absolutely is, Rantanen doesn't go for what he went for with a contract in place.
In this scenario a team like SJ is going to be interested him once he hits free agency and they'd be willing to pay a small price for the right to talk to and likely sign him. Colorado isn't likely to interested in giving him an extension they're looking to win this season and think he'd help.

Different teams, different directions and different prices.

Colton for 2+ seasons has a lot more value than Cody Ceci for 20-30 games and if Colton value is a 2nd simply because that's what he got traded for why aren't you simply taking a 4th for Kovacevic? It's almost like values change