As the New Jersey Devils navigate a challenging season, fans are left pondering the future. Jack Hughes’s Golden Goal has been a bright spot, but it’s clear that deeper issues are affecting the franchise. Without a remarkable turnaround, changes in the front office and coaching staff could be on the horizon.
A key moment that still stings is when Tom Fitzgerald missed the chance to bring Quinn Hughes onto the roster. The Devils were in playoff contention when Quinn was traded to the Minnesota Wild, and now they find themselves in discussions about future prospects with 24 games remaining.
One factor in missing out on Quinn Hughes was the current depth on the Devils' blue line. With seven NHL defensemen, the team faces tough decisions.
Dougie Hamilton might be on the trading block before the deadline, Luke Hughes is on the mend, and Simon Nemec is developing, but finding ice time for everyone is a challenge. Benching Dougie Hamilton previously didn’t yield positive results.
Currently, Johnny Kovacevic seems to be the odd man out. Returning from a torn ACL suffered against the Carolina Hurricanes, Kovacevic has struggled to find his form. After signing a five-year extension, he initially thrived alongside Jonas Siegenthaler, helping the Devils secure a playoff spot with their defensive prowess.
However, his performance dipped towards the end of the season, particularly when paired with other partners. This year, Kovacevic’s numbers have been concerning. According to Natural Stat Trick, he’s allowed the most goals per 60 minutes among Devils defensemen (3.53), indicating a real struggle on the ice.
With four more seasons at $4 million per year, Kovacevic needs to prove his worth. The contract includes a no-trade clause, complicating potential moves. While a buyout is an option, it offers limited immediate financial relief and extends minor cap hits into the future.
The likelihood of a buyout seems low, regardless of whether Fitzgerald or a new GM is calling the shots. Trading Kovacevic is also tricky due to his contract stipulations. The Devils face a complex situation, and how they navigate it could shape their path forward.