Entering his third season as a pro, Johnny Kovacevic (2017 3rd round draft pick) has become a relied upon member of the Manitoba Moose defence corps. Kovacevic has spent some of this year and most of last year paired alongside his fellow 2017 draft classman Dylan Samberg although when the 2nd rounder was out of the lineup with a high-ankle sprain the Jets 3rd rounder played alongside Moose captain Jimmy Oligny and 2019 1st rounder Ville Heinola.
Photo Credit: Alexander James (Illegal Curve)
Kovacevic is a big (6’5), strong, right-shooting defenceman who can skate and uses his mobility well. He has already exceeded his career high for goals this season (he has 7 goals and 7 assists in 32 games with the Moose) and is tied for top spot for goals among AHL defencemen.
Kovacevic is expected to make his NHL debut tonight against the Vancouver Canucks paired alongside Ville Heinola. Good news for the Jets that Kovacevic and Heinola have been paired up for eight games already this season with the Moose.
Here are his goal highlights from the season: 1st goal, 2nd goal, 3rd goal, 4th goal, 5th goal, 6th goal and 7th goal.
The Jets also announced they have recalled 2017 5th rounder Leon Gawanke to the taxi squad from the Moose.
Update:
Jets Interim head coach Dave Lowry confirmed that Kovacevic will make his NHL debut tonight versus the Canucks.
