Harris and Kovacevic: completely different beginnings with their new outfit

Dose
Crédit: OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 17: New Jersey Devils Defenceman Johnathan Kovacevic (8) keeps eyes on the play during first period National Hockey League action between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators on October 17, 2024, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Johnathan Kovacevic and Jordan Harris were both traded by the Canadiens in recent months.

The right-hander was sent to New Jersey for a 4th-round pick in the 2026 draft, while the left-hander was part of the deal that brought Patrik Laine to Montreal.

That said, both guys are in a completely different situation with their new training.

Jordan Harris hasn’t impressed Blue Jackets management enough to play regularly.

He has played just four games (no points) so far this season in Columbus, and finds himself in a depth role, as he was in Montreal at times.

But for Kovy, everything’s running like clockwork: he’s played in all 11 Devils games this season (five points, including a goal) and plays an important role in the defensive brigade in New Jersey.

The proof?

Tonight, Kovacevic (as has often been the case since the start of the season) will play on the second defensive pair alongside Jonas Siegenthaler.

He’s used on the top-4 and there’s a reason: Sheldon Keefe appreciates the defenseman’s contribution to the line-up.

When Jordan Harris was in Montreal, it was said that he may have plateaued in terms of his progression.

Without saying he’s a bad defenseman, Harris is a player who doesn’t stand out much on the ice because his style of play is relatively “flat”… Exactly like it is with Kovacevic.

But Kovacevic has found a way to make his mark, and some are wondering if the Canadiens made a mistake in trading him for so little.

A fourth-round pick for a top-4 defenseman… We agree that’s not much.

On the other hand, like Jordan Harris, many thought that Kovacevic wasn’t capable of bringing more to the Habs organization. It’s the opposite that’s happening right now, and it makes you realize that sometimes, it’s the environment that can be favourable to a player’s progression.

That said, you have to be happy for Kovacevic. He’s playing because he deserves to, and Jordan Harris needs to look at what his former teammate is doing right to follow in his footsteps.

Overtime

– We need another big performance tonight.

– Reminder: Lane Hutson is good at hockey.

– Shane Pinto is injured again.

– Makes sense. We’re talking about Shohei Ohtani, though…

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