Yahoo Sports Devils Should Make Big Move With Defender
New Jersey Devils defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic has been a nice surprise for the club this season. When the Devils acquired him this past off-season from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a fourth-round pick, the expectation was that he would be a solid depth defender for them.
However, Kovacevic has been far more than that early in his tenure with the Devils.
Kovacevic, 27, has thrived in New Jersey, posting one goal, 12 points, and a plus-15 rating in 45 games. He needs just one more assist and two more points to hit new career highs, so it has been a strong season for him offensively.
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However, Kovacevic has been far more than his offense. His strong defensive play has made him become an essential part of the Devils' blueliner. It is precisely why he has found a home on the Devils' second pairing and penalty kill.
Kovacevic is in the final year of his contract and a pending unrestricted free agent. He is due for a raise from his bargain $766,667 cap hit. However, given how well he has played for the Devils, they should try hard to sign him to a contract extension.
Kovacevic has been an excellent addition to the Devils' defense, and they would undoubtedly miss him if he signed elsewhere in free agency. It will be fascinating to see if they can get him signed to an extension before the end of the season from here.
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