Johnathan Kovacevic is taking Simon Nemec out of New Jersey.

Jasons by Jonathan Kovacevic a little.

Since the beginning of the season, he has been performing very well. The former Canadiens player, who was traded to the Devils a year before full autonomy, has found his place, to use a term from Martin St-Louis.

He has been an important part of the Devils’ defensive corps since the start of the season.

Kovacevic is nearing the end of his contract, and the Devils do not want to let him go. The GM of the Devils intends to negotiate with him so he doesn’t hit the free-agent market.

This is significant.

With Brett Pesce, Dougie Hamilton, and Kovacevic, the Devils could have a complete right side in the medium term. This could block young players who want to push to establish themselves in the NHL.

And on this subject, Jimmy Murphy (Responsible Gambler) talked about the implications this might have in a recent piece on the topic.

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What we note is that Simon Nemec, the Devils’ second pick in 2022 (behind a certain Juraj Slafkovsky), is particularly blocked. The young player, who spent most of last season in the NHL, is currently stuck in the AHL.

He has even been surpassed by Seamus Casey in the young player hierarchy and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The young player believes he is capable of playing in the NHL but is stuck in Utica. He therefore wants to move up to the NHL… and in light of everything that is happening, the Slovak is even considering requesting a trade.

As he told a Slovak media outlet, the door is open.

It’s too early to see if I will request a trade. – Simon Nemec

Because the Devils might shop him this summer and his value isn’t the highest, one wonders whether the Canadiens will seek to acquire his services.

Let’s recall that he is Slovak, just like Slaf and Filip Mesar, two other first-round picks in 2022. And let’s also remind you that on the right side, the CH needs help both in the short and long term.

David Savard will not be there forever and Mike Matheson is filling in on the right. Among the young, Logan Mailloux is struggling, and David Reinbacher, as everyone knows, hasn’t had a chance to develop this year.

Will Kent Hughes want to take an interest in him? If so, he won’t be the only one.

in brief

– Watching Oliver Kapanen play is good news.

– To be monitored.

– Good listening.