Transaction in Montreal.
Johnathan Kovacevic is traded to New Jersey in exchange for a 4th round pick in 2026. Kent Hughes has made another stroke of genius. He claimed on waivers a defender who has rendered him proud services and who brings him a 4th round pick for free.
Kovacevic hit a wall. The wall of congestion on the CH blue line. The competition for a roster spot was too fierce for him.
He thought he was “safe” because he was right-handed. But the blue line is now clearly saturated on both sides.
With David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux moving closer to the NHL, David Savard and Justin Barron (who could go to Winnipeg or elsewhere), the congestion is also showing up on the right side of the defense, not just on the left.
NHL teams are always looking to find the right balance in their rosters, which can lead to difficult decisions for coaches and general managers.
Kovacevic was a human being with a good heart. The CH claimed him off waivers and made him an NHL defenseman. He can be proud of himself, both for his work on and off the ice.
As Kovacevic’s career takes an unforeseen direction tonight, it will be interesting to see how he reacts to this new situation. Knowing him, he will take it with a smile, as he always has.
It’s going to be a long night for Kovacevic, who will have to start packing his things for New Jersey, but positive as he is, we bet he’s looking at this as a new opportunity.
The next step: trading a left-handed defenseman. The cleaning has started at the blue line.
Here is the press release from the Montreal Canadiens:
BROSSARD – Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced Sunday that the team has acquired a 2026 fourth-round pick from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic. The fourth-round pick will be the highest-positioned of the three currently owned by the Devils in 2026.
Kovacevic played 62 games with the Canadiens in 2023-24, scoring six goals and seven assists, in addition to serving 42 penalty minutes. The 26-year-old right-handed defenseman initially joined the organization via waiver on October 8, 2022.
He has played in 143 games with the Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets since the start of his NHL career. The Hamilton, Ontario native had 28 points (9G, 19A) and served 83 penalty minutes in total.
