Montreal Claims Former Jets' Third Rounder Off Waivers

The Montreal Canadiens have claimed right-shot defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets.

Kovacevic, 25, was selected 74th overall by Winnipeg in 2017 after the defender posted 19 points in 36 games during his freshman season at Merrimack College. He would finish with 54 points in total over 101 NCAA games.

Montreal GM Kent Hughes has spoken about the desire to recruit a right-handed defender, and Kovacevic is as good a flyer as there is.

Kovacevic's 137 AHL games with the Manitoba Moose have yielded 58 points with a plus-45 rating over his pro career. Perhaps in Montreal, the Niagara Falls-native (the Canadian side) can earn and keep a permanent NHL roster spot.

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