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

[Archijerej]

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?

I can confirm that the role you describe is best suited for Kovacevic.

 

[Captain Mountain]

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?

+Good teammate, size (and willing to use it), decent shot and willing to make it simple plays.

-Slow, doesn't handle the puck all that well.

 

[Garbageyuk]

Now just ship out Barron and Harris and we’re set.

Harris for a 3rd/4th
Barron for a 2nd or a forward prospect

Get’er done.

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

I can confirm that the role you describe is best suited for Kovacevic.

+Good teammate, size (and willing to use it), decent shot and willing to make it simple plays.

-Slow, doesn't handle the puck all that well.

Thank ya, fellas.

Yeah, that's what I assumed as well. I think Dougie, Pesce (barring something massively unforeseen tomorrow), Nemec will be the regulars on the right side. Devils management is probably scared shitless of another year with massive amount of injuries to where we had an AHL defense at points last year so it's probably from that angle as well.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

For that 4th to become what Kovacevic is/has done will be a low percentage let alone be better than him

 

[jrom]

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?

Size, decent skating, 0 drama, very liked in the locker room, chill guy, has an engineering degree (!)

 

[Captain Mountain]

For that 4th to become what Kovacevic is/has done will be a low percentage let alone be better than him

Montreal claimed him off waivers, calm down. This is not a big deal for either team.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

Montreal claimed him off waivers, calm down. This is not a big deal for either team.

I'm not, I'm just saying.

 

[sansabri]

For that 4th to become what Kovacevic is/has done will be a low percentage let alone be better than him

gotta free up contract spots somehow

 

[Wats]

Damn that's actually not much of a return. Feel like he's a player that can fetch a 2nd at deadline.

 

[Devilsfan118]

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.

what's that now

 

[The Great Weal]

Not that it's a big issue, but the Devils handcuff themselves a bit by being unable to trade any of the 3 4th rounders for two seasons.

 

[thebestnic]

Very good 7 and serviceable 3rd pairing guy.

 

[Galaxydoggystyle]

Yeah Habs have a ton of Dmen that need to be moved. The guy was claimed off waivers so whatever we get or if we get anything is whatever honestly.

 

[Forge]

Not that it's a big issue, but the Devils handcuff themselves a bit by being unable to trade any of the 3 4th rounders for two seasons.

They can trade them, they simply have to make those conditional as well with this trade taking priority.

 

[Goal Caufield50]

Savard, Ghule, Barron on RHS and Mallioux to replace Savard at deadline or injury. LHS is Matheson, Harris, wi fi, struble and Hutson if injuries and call up. Trade of Struble or harris will allow for additional hutson play. Harris is mor valuable as he can play both sides. I expect Savard and Struble to be traded in the year. Barron has offence and plays RHS and likely stays. Rienbecker is an injury call up and will develop in laval

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Good pick up by the Devils. Big, cheap & reliable. Won’t hurt your team and can eat up 12-15 minutes a night.

Cap hit is a dream as well

12 minutes a night? Is he the #7 dman?

 

[Runner77]

Not that it makes a huge difference but NJ owns three 4th rounders in 2026 and the Habs are getting whichever is earliest:

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807530759131189645

Not surprised by this as Hughes is a stickler for whatever add-ons he can get. Only thing unexpected is that he didn’t draw up a litany of contractual clauses to express it.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

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.

lol yeah sure

 

[McJedi]

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

I guess you’re big mad then.

 

[JeffreyLFC]

I guess you’re big mad then.

I am indeed mad, but why do you even care?

 

[hobgoblin933]

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.

I'd give up Nemec and anyone not named Hughes to make this happen.

 

[BLNY]

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

You nailed it with the return.

I think the exposure was more about 5 man units than him alone. Our young forwards didn't always make it easy. Nor did comms with young d. Better insulated, he, like anyone else, will be fine.

 

[Hunter368]

Cheap big body 6-7th D man on most teams depending on your D core depth, acceptable 3rd pairing guy.

 

[Demigod Gloves]

Congrats Devils you got a good one, this is the kind of guy that will shine come playoff time imo