Montreal Canadiens trade defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic

NHL insider Frank Seravalli was the first to report the news this afternoon. He revealed that the Canadiens had moved the 26-year-old before the return was even known.

Luckily, it was quickly reported that he was sent to the Devils in exchange for a 2026 4th round draft pick.

Kovacevic played in 62 games for the Habs this season and put up 6 goals and 13 total points, largely playing in a bottom pair role. He figures to continue to be a bottom pair guy for the Devils. Notably, he does shoot right, which is always highly sought after for defensemen. He's played in 143 career NHL games and had 28 career points, including 9 goals to show for it.