The New Jersey Devils found a great defender at a bargain price.
The New Jersey Devils found a great defender at a bargain price.
Everybody loves a bargain.
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Whether it be a garage sale, your favorite store having a sale, or a very inexpensive defender looking to take the next step in their development, in the latter's case, the New Jersey Devils have found themselves an incredible hidden gem.
Johnathan Kovacevic was acquired over the summer from the Montreal Canadiens. All they needed to give up was a fourth-round pick in 2026.
Money well spent.
Up to that point in his career, the right-handed 27-year-old was coming off his second season of playing with the Canadiens. He averaged 17:25 and 16:31 a night in those two years, respectively. He played 77 and 62 games, gathering 15 points in his first year and 13 in his last year.
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Fast forward to today, and Kovacevic has been a revelation for the Devils. He currently ranks fourth among Devils defenders in average ice time with 20:37 a night. Only Dougie Hamilton (21:14), Jonas Siegenthaler (21:12), and Brett Pesce (20:52) have played more.
Additionally, he is tied with Siegenthaler for second in points for a Devils' defenseman, with six a piece. Hamilton leads the way with 12.
The pair have been attached at the hip for most of the young 18-game season. Kovacevic has played 84% of his even-strength time on ice with Siegenthaler, creating the team's go-to shutdown pairing.
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The duo has played the most against other teams' elite opposition, clearing the next-highest pairing by nearly 30 minutes.
Kovacevic has also been a great asset on the penalty kill. He averages the most minutes per game on the kill than any other Devils defender. He's also been the most effective defender while down a man, only allowing 2.56 powerplay goals against per 60 minutes.
The righty makes $766,667 this year, the last of his three-year deal.
Definitely, money well spent.
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