A Trade Completed Between the Canadiens and Devils That Kent Hughes Must Really Regret
A rare trade by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens appears to have been a setback for the organization.
On June 30, the Montreal Canadiens traded defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round draft pick.
This decision didn't spark much reaction, as the team already had a surplus of defensemen and aimed to create opportunities for young players.
However, Kovacevic's season start with the Devils has surprised many. In eleven games, he has tallied five points and holds a +4 rating, the best on the team, tied with Dawson Mercer and Timo Meier.
He has established himself in the team's defense, playing alongside Jonas Siegenthaler and logging over 21 minutes per game on the ice.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens are facing challenges on the blue line, particularly due to heavy reliance on Mike Matheson and rookie Lane Hutson.
Jonathan Kovacevic's Trade to the New Jersey Devils: A Rare Misstep by Kent Hughes?
This situation raises questions about the Habs' management of defensive depth. While Kovacevic didn't seem to be in the team's long-term plans, it's fair to wonder if he could have provided some stability to the defense in recent games.
With his strong performances in New Jersey, Kovacevic is proving he could have been a solution to the Canadiens' current defensive challenges.
Especially now, as it's revealed that Kent Hughes is actively seeking a reliable right-handed defenseman, the exact profile Kovacevic offers, along with being a well-liked teammate in the locker room.
