Canadiens and New Jersey Devils make trade involving Johnathan Kovacevic

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Graham Montgomery
June 30, 2024 (6:08 PM)

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The Montreal Canadiens have traded defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli was the first to report that the 26-year-old Canadiens blueliner was on the move today. However, he could not provide the full details of the deal. Luckily, fellow insider Chris Johnston filled us in, reporting that he was moved to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 4th round pick.

The Montreal Canadiens have traded defenceman Jonathan Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick, per
@reporterchris

Public analytics models show that Kovacevic is a solid, two-way defenseman who excelled in a 3rd pair role with the Habs last season.

Johnathan Kovacevic, acquired by NJ, is a puck-carrying two-way defenceman who's active in his own end and kills penalties. Has done solid work for MTL in a third pair role. #NJDevils

Habs fans seem to be mixed in their opinions on this deal. Several are not happy, citing the fact that the pick they get in return will likely never become an NHL player.

He's been easily the most consistent defensemen on the team these past two seasons.

Trading an NHL calibre defensemen for a pick that will probably never make the league is terrible.

However, a player of Kovacevic's caliber is relatively easy to replace in free agency, as several fans pointed out. When you look at it from that perspective, the Canadiens are effectively getting a free 4th round pick for a [player who didn't figure to be a big part of the team going forward.

HUGHES W, He likely wouldn't even of made the team next year. We can replace him tomorrow in FA.