Confirmed Trade: [MTL/NJD] Johnathan Kovacevic for a 2026 conditional 4th round pick (best of the 3)

[Chadstudsky]

If it's anything below a 3rd, I would be very mad. Very servicable defenseman and loved by his teammates at a great price.

Not a chance we're getting a third for Kovy, the guy can't handle the puck

 

[Mrfenn92]

 

[Phrasing]

Marino’s replacement

 

[The Great Weal]

Habs won't trade him for a 7th. He went to the Devils for a 4th.

 

[Devils Trap]

Marino’s replacement

That’s Pesce

 

[JeffreyLFC]

Not a chance we're getting a third for Kovy, the guy can't handle the puck

Because he is a cheap option and he has size. Something the habs need.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

4th is my guess.

Maybe a 13th forward with size?

Pretty sure he quietly requested a trade

I guessed correctly.

 

[WatchfulElm]

Maybe they asked Jake Allen and he said : get this guy!

 

[TheReelChuckFletcher]

If Pesce is signed, does this mean the Devils are keeping Nemec in the AHL to develop to start the year?

 

[sansabri]

4th rounder? eh i'll take it

 

[BLNY]

He is a good soldier, but his lack of puck skills limits his effectiveness.

He doesn't throw a lot of grenades though. Keeps it simple. The fact he's on a very friendly contract for what he brings - which is a legit bottom pair guy - I think a 4th-5th is likely return.

 

[Garo]

As a third pair that won't mind rotating out and is fairly cheap, this is a very fine get.

Don't expect anything else but I don't think the Devils have to.

 

[Chadstudsky]

Because he is a cheap option and he has size. Something the habs need.

We would've lost him on waivers for nothing had we kept him, he wasn't making the team this year

 

[Forge]

If Pesce is signed, does this mean the Devils are keeping Nemec in the AHL to develop to start the year?

No. Nemec isn't going back down according to Fitz.

I'd imagine that Kovacevic is the 7th D

 

[GirardSpinorama]

4th is a good get.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

He’s not afraid to drop the gloves either, but it was never his primary role. He will defend his teammates though and he brings a lot for his cap hit. Solid pickup by the Devils.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

We would've lost him on waivers for nothing had we kept him, he wasn't making the team this year

I would not have been so sure of that. Reinbacher/Mailloux could benefit for more time in the AHL and maybe Hutson too. Let them fight for a spot at the camp.

 

[Garbageyuk]

If it's anything below a 3rd, I would be very mad. Very servicable defenseman and loved by his teammates at a great price.

Lol we got him for free.

 

[Archijerej]

He doesn't throw a lot of grenades though. Keeps it simple. The fact he's on a very friendly contract for what he brings - which is a legit bottom pair guy - I think a 4th-5th is likely return.

I find he is not handling forechecking pressure very well. Can be a useful depth defenseman though.

You nailed it with the return.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

Lol we got him for free.

So what? Martin St.Louis was once a waiver pickup. It does not matter how he was attained.

 

[Americanadian]

Good 3RD. No reason for NJD to trade for him just to not play him.

Nemec must be going to Ottawa as part of the Tkachuk package.

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

7D, I'm assuming. This team had Brendan Smith as a regular last year and it's clear they want to go back to the 22-23 Devils where they have a defensive dman who can step in due to injuries and such. Injuries really railed their defense last year. Can any Habs fans highlight his pros/cons?

 

[JuJu Mobb]

He's a very good person and I wish him the best in New Jersey.

 

[Garbageyuk]

So what? Martin St.Louis was once a waiver pickup. It does not matter how he was attained.

He’s a bottom pairing D on a lottery team. On a good team, he’s probably a 7th D. We aren’t going to get much in return.

 

[RomanianLeafs]

If it's anything below a 3rd, I would be very mad. Very servicable defenseman and loved by his teammates at a great price.

Well you can be mad now