Kovacevic recently made his season debut after knee surgery and will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday as he continues to acclimate to game speed. Simon Nemec will draw back into New Jersey's lineup as Kovacevic's replacement.
Kovacevic, who got hurt in the playoffs last season, underwent knee surgery over the summer and is still in the process of rehabbing. When the Devils opened training camp on Thursday, they announced that Kovacevic is out with no timetable for his return.
Kovacvic's first season in New Jersey will end in an unfortunate but memorable fashion after he underwent successful knee surgery on Wednesday. He is not expected to be fully recovered by the time the 2025-26 training camp rolls around. The 27-year-old stay-at-home defenseman had a goal, 17 points and a +10 plus/minus through 81 games played in 2024-25.
Entering their final game of the regular season, the Devils will rest several key players, including Kovacevic, in preparation of their first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 27-year-old Kovacevic ends the 2024-25 campaign with 17 points (1G / 16A) in 81 games.
Kovacevic has been a staple on New Jersey's blue line this season and earned himself a five-year, $20 million contract extension. The 27-year-old defenseman has 14 points (1G / 13A), 81 blocks, and 83 hits in 63 games this season.
Kovacevic is a solid two-way defenseman and penalty-killer who appeared in 62 games with the Canadiens last season. With the Devils reportedly interested in signing a couple free agent defensemen, Kovacevic could end up serving as the No.7 entering the season.
Kovacevic will not dress for game 82 on Tuesday as he is replaced by rookie Logan Mailloux in the Canadiens' lineup. The 26-year-old's second full NHL season comes to an end with six goals, 13 points, 46 SOG, 42 PIMs and a +11 plus/minus.
Kaiden Guhle will return to the Canadiens' lineup after serving a one-game suspension and will replace Kovacevic. Kovacevic played 16:05 time-on-ice and recorded three shots on goal in his last contest.
With Kaiden Guhle receiving a one-game suspension for a slash, Jonathan Kovacevic will take his spot and return to Montreal's lineup on Saturday vs. Carolina. The 26-year-old has impressed during his 55 game stint this season, with his six goals, nine points, 40 PIMs and +9 plus/minus.
Jayden Struble will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday, allowing Kovacevic to return to the lineup after a one-game absence. Kovacevic has only played twice in the last six games, being held off the scoresheet while averaging fewer than 15 minutes of ice time.
After playing four straight for the Canadiens, Kovacevic has been a healthy scratch in the last three. He recorded one assist, a +4 plus/minus, and four hits in his last four outings.
Kovacevic has played four straight for the Canadiens but will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday. In those four games, Kovacevic recorded one assist, a +4 plus/minus, and four hits.
