Devils' Johnny Kovacevic: Nabs helper Tuesday

Kovacevic produced an assist, two shots on goal and two blocked shots in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes.

Playing in a second-pairing role to begin 2024-25, Kovacevic has impressed with a goal and three assists over six contests. The defenseman had a total of 28 points across 139 games in the last two seasons combined with the Canadiens. Kovacevic has added nine hits, seven blocked shots, six shots on net, four PIM and a plus-1 rating this year. He's been an excellent fill-in, but Kovacevic is likely to see a reduced role once Brett Pesce (lower leg) is cleared to play.