Kent Hughes and the Canadiens could potentially bring back a defenseman in a trade
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Austin Sabourin
Mar 3, 2026 (9:21)
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Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic and head coach Martin St-Louis could find themselves on the same side of the blue line once again.
Rumors are swirling that the Montreal Canadiens are exploring a trade to bring the 6-foot-5 blueliner back to the Bell Centre.
Kovacevic was traded to the New Jersey Devils last June for a 2026 fourth-round pick, a move that cleared space for younger prospects.
However, since the trade, the 28-year-old has blossomed into a reliable top-four option, recently signing a $20 million extension.
Over his NHL career, Kovacevic has recorded 47 points in 237 games, with much of that production coming during his previous stint in Montreal.
He missed the first three months of this season recovering from knee surgery but has been solid since returning to the Devils' lineup.
General manager Kent Hughes is reportedly looking for veteran stability to pair with his wave of rookie defenders.
Kovacevic fits the bill perfectly as a right-shot defenseman who understands the high-pressure environment of the Montreal market.
The Devils are currently sitting at 58 points and might be looking to shuffle their deck after a disappointing defensive season.
Losing Kovacevic would be a blow to New Jersey's depth, but Montreal has the draft capital to make a deal enticing.
A Familiar Face to Stabilize the Montreal Defense
Kovacevic was originally a waiver claim by the Canadiens back in 2022 and quickly became a favorite of the coaching staff.
He finished last season with a +10 rating, proving he can handle heavy defensive zone starts against elite competition.
The locker room respected his work ethic, and his return would provide an immediate boost to the penalty kill unit.
Transitioning back to Montreal would be seamless for a player who already knows the defensive structure and the city.
Whether Hughes pulls the trigger before Friday depends on the price, but the interest in a reunion is very real.
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