Canadiens Make Value Waiver Claim In Jonathan Kovacevic

The Montreal Canadiens finally used their priority advantage on waivers to pluck Jonathan Kovacevic on waivers from the Winnipeg Jets.

The 25-year-old defenceman is exactly the type of player the Canadiens were looking to add. The 6’4, 208lbs right-shot defenceman is an interesting pickup for the club, as he had shown some significant progress in his play while suiting up for the Manitoba Moose over the last three years.

The Winnipeg Jets’ 3rd round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft was one of the best offensive defencemen in the AHL last year, potting 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points in 62 games on an offensively challenged Moose roster.

Jonathan Kovacevic must remain on the Canadiens roster now, due to being claimed off waivers. The Canadiens cannot send him to the Laval Rocket without once again putting him through waiers.

By claiming Kovacevic, the Canadiens are likely to send Justin Barron down to the Laval Rocket for some much-needed seasoning, as he still needs to continue to work on his defensive game.

Johnny Kovacevic, placed on waivers by the #NHLJets today, is a 25 yr old 6'4 RHD.

Kovacevic, who was one of the best defencemen in the AHL last season, signed a 3-year deal with WPG this summer.

The Jets are probably holding their breath as he hits the waiver wire. pic.twitter.com/QIWhmCLwjW

— Jacob Stoller (@JLStoller) October 7, 2022

It’s also important to note that the Montreal Canadiens have not lost their priority to put a claim on another player moving forward. The misconception that the claiming of a player on waivers resets waiver priority is due to as a rule that exists in fantasy sports leagues, but is not decreed anywhere in the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement. The priority will be retained, despite making a previous claim, up until November 1.

This means that the Canadiens retain this advantage throughout camp and into the regular season; allowing them to swoop in on some quality players they would have otherwise had to trade for to acquire. It could be a significant advantage for them to pounce on some potential at positions of need, as they continue to look to improve their roster and develop talent.

Just because the Canadiens claimed someone today, doesn’t meant they’re necessarily done using waivers to round out their team. The injuries to Joel Armia and Joel Edmundson could see them try and pluck out some other players in the next 48 hours in order to send other prospects to Laval for some more seasoning.