As journalist Alexandre Pratt mentions, I think we can officially say that the most recent trade between the Habs and the Devils stings.

Let’s recall that last June, Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens traded defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

A trade completed between the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils that officially stings for Martin St-Louis’ squad

While the Habs are dealing with all sorts of issues on defense, Kovacevic is now on the defensive pair allowing the fewest expected goals per 60 minutes this season, and that’s across the entire National Hockey League!

Who is on the defensive pair allowing the fewest expected goals per 60 minutes this season?

Johnathan Kovacevic.

In summary, you could say Kovacevic is currently on the best defensive pair in the entire league.

«According to Stathletes Hockey Analytics here are the top 10 defensive pairs in 5 on 5 shot quality allowed per 60 minutes this season (5v5 xGA/60) with 100 minutes together.

New Jersey ranks 1st and 7th.

– Vin Masi

It’s pretty incredible when you think about it.

On top of that, Kovacevic is doing quite well offensively, with 8 points in 24 games played (and a +15 differential).

I can guarantee you that he would be very useful to the Montreal Canadiens right now, and Kent Hughes would certainly want to undo this trade if he could.

What do you think Johnathan Kovacevic’s trade value is today?