Johnathan Kovacevic Bio
Johnathan Kovacevic is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a defenceman for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the third round, 74th overall, by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2017 NHL entry draft. Kovacevic has also previously played for the Montreal Canadiens.
Early Life and Background
Johnathan Kovacevic was born on July 12, 1997, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He comes from a family with roots in the former SFR Yugoslavia; his father, Novica, hails from Nikšić, Montenegro, while his mother, Angie, is from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Growing up in Hamilton, Kovacevic developed a passion for hockey at an early age, which led him to pursue the sport seriously. He later attended Merrimack College, where he further honed his skills as a player.
Path to Hockey
Kovacevic joined the Merrimack College Warriors for the 2016–17 season, where he made a significant impact during his freshman year by appearing in 36 games and tallying 19 points. His performance earned him a spot on the Hockey East All-Academic Team and the school’s rookie of the year honor. In his sophomore year, he continued to excel, recording 17 points in 34 games and once again being named to the Hockey East All-Academic team. By his final season, he was named an alternate captain and recognized as the team MVP, finishing his collegiate career with nine goals and 45 assists in 101 games.
Johnathan Kovacevic Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Johnathan Kovacevic began his professional career when he was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Jets on March 17, 2019, and made his professional debut with the Jets’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, on April 14, 2019. Kovacevic scored one goal and registered an assist in his debut game against the Chicago Wolves. In the 2021–22 season, he was recalled from the Moose and played in his first NHL game with the Jets on January 28, 2022, against the Vancouver Canucks.
Breakthrough (2022–2024)
After attending the Jets’ training camp in preparation for the 2022–23 season, Kovacevic was placed on waivers and was claimed by the Montreal Canadiens on October 8, 2022. He made his debut with the Canadiens in the season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 12, quickly becoming a regular in the lineup. Kovacevic’s performance drew praise from the coaching staff, and he scored his first career NHL goal on December 6, 2022, in a game against the Seattle Kraken.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kovacevic’s signature moment came when he was traded to the New Jersey Devils on June 30, 2024, in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. He subsequently agreed to a five-year, $20 million contract extension with the Devils on March 7, 2025.
Johnathan Kovacevic Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Johnathan Kovacevic has been recognized for his contributions on the ice, including being named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team during his time at Merrimack College.
Johnathan Kovacevic Awards Won
While specific awards won during his professional career are not detailed, Kovacevic’s achievements in collegiate hockey and his rapid rise in the NHL highlight his talent and potential.
Johnathan Kovacevic Family
Johnathan Kovacevic’s family background is rooted in his parents’ immigration from the former SFR Yugoslavia. His father, Novica, and mother, Angie, have played a significant role in his life and career.
Personal Life
Kovacevic holds a civil engineering degree from Merrimack College, showcasing his commitment to education alongside his athletic pursuits. He remains focused on his professional career while maintaining a strong connection to his family and heritage.
