Johnathan Kovacevic traded by the Canadiens

We knew the Habs had too many defensemen in their lineup.

Fortunately, Kent Hughes was on the case and just traded one of them.

Johnathan Kovacevic is the one who’s jumping ship. He’s off to join Jake Allen in New Jersey. In return, the Habs get a fourth-round pick in 2026.

The Canadiens have acquired a fourth-round pick in 2026 from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic.

News release ↓ #GoHabsGohttps://t.co/OjeCgpvWfY

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) June 30, 2024

My colleague Maxime Truman had it right on Friday. On 96.9 CKOI, during his column with Franky “Hollywood” Fortin, he told listeners that the Habs would be drafting Ivan Demidov and that within hours, Kent Hughes would be trading a defenseman.

Well, the famous defenseman has been traded.

This frees up a position for one of the organization’s young right-handed defensemen: Logan Mailloux and/or Justin Barron. The latter will have to go through the waivers starting next season.

As for Kovi, he has a small contract (one year/$666,667); parting with him was not a question of payroll, but of making room for the organization’s 756 defensemen.

He’ll be joining a team that, after a misstep, will be looking to bounce back after acquiring Anton Silayev via the draft and Jacob Markstrom via the trade market. So far, the Devils have replaced John Marino with Kovacevic. I expect more transactions/signings.

Overtime

– Wow.

Sean Durzi signs 4x$6M in Utah

– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 30, 2024

– Remember, the forward isn’t at the parade to take part in his best friend’s wedding.

Contract negotiations ongoing still between Sam Reinhart’s camp and the Cup champion Florida Panthers. Let’s see where it goes, market opens tomorrow.

– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 30, 2024

– We’re seeing progress on this file.

There’s been solid progress between the Lightning and Victor Hedman on a contract extension. Could get to the finish line this coming week.

– David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 30, 2024

– Carter Hart will become a free agent.

No surprise, but #Flyers are not issuing a qualifying offer to Carter Hart before today’s 5pm deadline to retain his rights.

Hart will become an UFA on Monday, likely along with the other four players charged in the Team Canada 2018 alleged sexual assault.

– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 30, 2024

– Well done.

Cayden Primeau was in Laval for the Canadiens’ 2023-2024 First Presence NHL/NHLPA program graduation! @cpreems29 was in Laval to help hand out certificates to youth completing the Canadiens’ 2023-24 NHL/NHLPA First Shift Program!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/ugyWj2jOv5

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) June 30, 2024

– Movement in Salt Lake City.

The Utah Hockey Club has tendered qualifying offers to RFAs Sean Durzi, Victor Söderström, Jan Jeník & Miloš Kelemen.
Still awaiting confirmation on Barrett Hayton & Curtis Douglas.

– Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) June 30, 2024

– Ah well.

Recently acquired Goalie Akira Schmid did not receive a qualifying offer from #VegasBorn, making him a free agent https://t.co/kGOuEMA4Ll

– PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) June 30, 2024

– Toronto signs Timothy Liljegren.