Johnathan Kovacevic is one of the key names in the New Jersey Devils organization as the 2025-26 season approaches. On July 2, the team announced that the defenseman would miss part of the regular season due to knee surgery performed on May 8. Team reporter Amanda Stein confirmed that he will also miss training camp.
Two months after the procedure, there is still no timeline for Kovacevic’s return, a significant loss for the Devils’ blue line.
Last season, Kovacevic became a staple in the lineup, appearing in 81 games and setting career highs with 16 assists and 17 points, along with one goal. He was acquired by New Jersey on June 30, 2024, in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick. On March 7, 2025, the Devils committed to him long-term with a five-year, $20 million contract ($4 million AAV).
Before joining the Devils, Kovacevic played with the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens. He was originally drafted 74th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by Winnipeg.
With his absence to start the season, the Devils will look to younger players to step into the lineup. Two top candidates are Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey.
- Nemec, the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, played 27 games last season, recording four points. At 24 years old, he could be a strong replacement option on the right side.
- Casey, selected 46th in the same 2022 draft, made his NHL debut last season, appearing in 14 games with four points. At just 21, he is still developing but could be another viable option.
General manager Tom Fitzgerald spoke highly of both players to NHL.com heading into training camp:
“Nemec has to work harder than he’s ever had in training camp. We love where his game ended, and he looked like the player we thought we were drafting. I’m really excited about his growth. Seamus, same thing — he’s still a young player in this league. You look at the experience Nemec has, Seamus will get that experience again. It’s always nice to have depth, especially on the right side.”
While there is no clear update on Kovacevic’s return, his absence creates an opportunity for one of the Devils’ young defensemen to seize a bigger role and potentially have a breakout season.
