This Devils off-season trade is benefitting the club greatly.
The New Jersey Devils made several roster moves this off-season after missing the post-season in 2023-24. They have undoubtedly benefitted the team, as the Devils have a 25-15-3 record and are second in the Metropolitan Division at this point of the season.
One under-the-radar trade that has been a real home run for the Devils was the acquisition of defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic. New Jersey only gave a fourth-round pick to acquire him from the Montreal Canadiens, and he has emerged as a key defender on their blueline since.
Kovacevic, 27, is simply thriving with the Devils, posting one goal, 12 points, 57 blocks, and a team-best plus-16 rating in 43 games. Due to his marvelous defensive play, he has been given top-four minutes and is a crucial part of their penalty kill. Thus, he is a very valuable part of the Devils' roster.
Kovacevic has also provided the Devils' blueline with more bite, as the 6-foot-5 defender has 54 hits on the season.
Sometimes, a player benefits with a change of scenery, and there is no question that Kovacevic has. He has cemented himself as a solid shutdown defenseman for the Devils, while also being on pace for the best offensive season of his career.