New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic was one of multiple players who suffered injuries during the club's first-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes. Now, an update on Kovacevic has been provided, and it is undoubtedly unfortunate news.
The Devils have announced that Kovacevic suffered a knee injury that may end up requiring surgery to repair. In addition, the team shared that Kovacevic does not expect to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.
This is certainly a brutal update regarding Kovacevic. He emerged as one of the Devils' top defensemen this campaign, and they are now already expected to start next season shorthanded on the blueline.
Kovacevic, 27, appeared in 81 games this campaign with the Devils, where he scored one goal and set new career highs with 16 assists, 17 points, and 102 hits. Due to his strong play, he earned a five-year, $20 million contract extension in March, which kicks in next season.
The Devils acquired Kovacevic from the Montreal Canadiens this past off-season in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. This is a move that certainly turned out to be a great one for the Devils.
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