The New Jersey Devils obtained Montreal Canadiens defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic in exchange for a 2026 Fourth Round Pick.
NHL Free Agency is about 15 hours away.
Was trading for Johnathan Kovacevic purely a depth move?
Is it possible that this has implications on other moves?
I discuss this and more in this video.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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47 Comments
I really don’t
Think the devils
Are in on Stamkos
What does stamkos get deviks gonna have 17.4 million gling into fa 6 for pesce and 9 for stmakos ?? I dont think that heppeikg i think that guy is gonna be 100% depth move i think we are going df and a a top 6
We could be looking at a 6th Dman here!!
I think we are getting zadorov now
I have been a Devils fan for 38 years. My father would take me back in the day when there were no nets behind the goals and we would go watch the team practice at South Mountain Area. What a rich history for a relatively younger franchise.
Indeed, I already feel better about this team. Cotter and Covacevic aren't names anyone was thinking about and could turn out to be gems … I would argue that is really the best way for a GM to earn a good reputation. If it actually works, of course.
Plus as you said, these two guys do fit the bottom-six forward and bottom-four defenseman spots. With cap space we may be able to get the top-6 and top-4 guys as well. We'll still have to wait and see for tomorrow and the season itself, but these feel like very positive moves.
What if they still sign Pesce and trade Nemec for a top 6 forward. Maybe Bratt and Nemec for Tkachuk.
And just like that Fitz replaced Bahl in a heartbeat ! Great signing ! For some reason I don’t share your excitement over Stamkos . I think we have enough fire power already . We are more in need of a Sasquatch defenseman . I would take Zadorov over Stamkos any day of the week .
Just found this much needed Devils content. Exciting time to be a Devils fan! Good Stuff. Let’s Goooo Devils! 💪
If Steven Stamkos does not sign in Toronto, I will be shocked.
Let Fitzy cook.
Maybe he's going to trade Sheingatheler?
#BringStamkosToNJ
You saw Schmid didn't get a qualifying offer? He'll be a UFA tomorrow free to sign anywhere. That trade will hurt a little less if he signs elsewhere.
No, you got it all wrong, Kovacevic is replacing Nemec…..once he gets traded for Brady Tkachuk!!!!! I know you would love that!!!
Ace, your last live session was great. Looking forward to talk about the roster additions tomorrow night…Here's to hoping it's a Blanton's night!
Yo Ace… You’re not crazy. I don’t want Pesce, especially at 6 mil. Pesce is good but 6 mil will be a regrettable contract just like Palat’s.
If this move allows the Devils to get Stamkos and/or Zadorov it’s a fantastic move.
I'm wondering what's gonna happen at 12 and if I should stay awake…
By the way, I argued in the past against Stamkos and now … I'm really not sure why I did.
My bad. I hope we can get him.
I don't think it's impossible either. We have big potential and we have Palat, so there's that connection from the Cup-winning teams.
I would argue that we still need that top-4 D-man, like a Pesce. I wouldn't count on Kovacevic to step into that kind of responsibility just yet. And I want Dillon or Zadorov too. The more hard-to-play-against defensemen, the better.
Kovacevic was a depth move to give Luke & Nemec some time off ice, not over-play them. We’re getting Pesce, Tarasenko and maybe Dillon.
I think Fitz is not taking any chances and just taking everything he can grab and then worry about odd man out later.
Don't sign Pecse , Zadarov makes more sense especially long term
Cant sleep tn with all of this, lmfaoo
What do you think of Jonathan Marchessault for a top six forward and veteran presence ? I was surprised to find out he’s been making only 5mil a year . He was the engine of Vegas champion team ! And something else : I know it’s irrelevant now but I just read that with resigning of Saros Yaroslavl Askarov may become available and may become a generational goalie for some franchise . Just food for thought …
Instead of Pesce, maybe Matt Roy with Kovacevic as #7/8. And the additional money for Nikolaj Ehlers (6 years younger than Stamkos).
Hoping for big things tomorrow! Go Devils!!!
Maybe Neces? And Zadorov?
This trade isn’t necessarily that the devils got a superstar as he’s a 3rd line rd, but what it does mean is that I highly highly doubt the devils sign pesce, my money is on zadorov after seeing this trade.
Ace wat u think of the rangers situation with trouba he really gonna try to block a trade
They say rags were partying on the beach before conferce finals there a mess..
Habs fan here. Kovacevic is a pretty reliable 5-6 defenseman. He can play 2nd pair but not too much. Also, don't expect him to be as physical as you wish he were. A good team mate from all accounts, and he will drop 'em.
Good luck too him.
Pesce is still coming here
Love your content, but am pretty close to certain this is nothing more than a depth move to pace Nemec's development. Kovacevic looks to be a decent third pairing defender at a low cap, nothing more or less. Look at his ATOI and gv/tk ratio. My mind ran a little overly speculative too at first.
Give us stammer
Hopefully zadorov and stamkos but any combination of zadorov, stamkos, pesce and bertuzzi will suffice
Looking forward to talking with you again on the next call in live video.
Let’s go fitz, get it done tomorrow!
I live in Montreal, and I saw the way Jonathan played. I have to say, the devils didn’t give up much and they acquired a decent player. He had a lot on his shoulders from watching the games at the bell centre and this guy will do well. He won’t be the best d on the reliable spots, but he will come in clutch in most events as a 7th D or top 6
Idc. If its pesce or someone else but fitz better get a proven top 4 dman this guy is an extra dmam they sighned
Ace u would really b comfortable even if they got stamkos to not sigh a top dmen??
Don't know Ace. Good point
I don't mind the moves he's made. Kinda waiting for free agency to start before evaluating.
The MTL Fans i know Like calling him Honda Civic 😀 so a little nickname Already for him
@runninwiththedevils
I think they have to prioritize the back end first were way to vulnerable and young..
No wat this guy from the canadainw shoukd be anything more than a depth peice
Perhaps the Devils will sign Kevin Labanc, Brett Pesce, and Jersey boy James van Riemsdyk, so James, Kevin, and Jack Hughes will form one the best line combinations dubbed “the U.S.A. Line” and Brett will pair with Luke Hughes on defense.
I mean why not us? I mean think about it, Sheldon Keefe behind the bench, Markstrom/Allen between the pipes, and the star core that we have.
It sells itself. Let’s go Devils!
I like Stamkos but I think 8mill+ for 3 years or more is too much for a guy that’ll be 35 in February. I’d rather spend that money to round out the roster and make us more balanced. The forward lines don’t gel with me. Do they go Nico timo and Bratt as 1 line? Who’s playing with Jack? Haula,Mercer/Palat that sounds awful. Fourth line is Lazar Bastian Cotter ? You can’t scratch Cotter cuz you just traded Holtz for him so you’re invested now. Does that mean Foote is back to Utica to rot? McDermid only plays 4 times a year to fight Rempe which seems like a waste of cash. Not feeling confident tomorrow tbh
I think stammer is coming to NJ 🔒 Power play will be lethal if it’s not Stamkos it’s Marchessault he’s the second best option Conn Smythe winner