Habs legend Keith kinkaid

Habs says no. Kovacevic don't go for less than two mid round pick.

Montreal declines/

I don't know what Kovacevic is worth, but the premise doesn't really make sense because Kovacevic is still a RD and Montreal doesn't have an actual need to "make room" for Xhekaj, Mailloux,/ Reinbacher next year, don't need more late round picks, and don't need a veteran depth goalie with worst save % in the AHL.

Based on Zadorov getting a 3rd and a 5th.

You talking a 4th and a 5th or does a 3rd need to be a part of it.

3rd and 5th is the starting point.

He isnt a rental and is at a cap hit that is very attractive.

Hes at worst as good a justin holl who got 3 million last offseason. Hes underpaid by atleast 1 million

The habs have no urgency to move him either

Montreal has Matheson, Savard, Guehle, Barron, Harris, Kovacevic, Lindstrom, and Struble in the NHL now and Xhekaj, Mailloux, Reinbacher, or even Hutson possibly ready next year. Savard possibly retires or signs a team 1-2 team friendly deal before retiring. Which leaves 12 possible (8-9 if you have doubts about Lindstrom, Struble, etc) defenders next year.

Thought was Matheson and Savard would be the veterans others spots filled by players who would be around in 2-3 years when Caufield/ Suzuki/ Slaf where more in their primes. Left Kovacevic as odd man out. Also thought he filled what the Devils needed.

Montreal would keep Kovacevic over that offer, he's playing well and we enjoy him on the team. We're already running 3 goalies and a couple 5ths just isn't enticing.

I would add that very few contenders could afford Zadorov's caphit.

NJ wouldn't the only interested team. Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, etc. would be all over Kovacevic.

It starts with a 3rd.

Ya Friedman did say they had better offers on the table fpr zadorov but they required the half retention.

Kovacevic you can add and the player he replaces is likely making more than him

There a big difference between Kovacevic and Zadorov situation. Zadorov is a ufa. Kovacevic make league minimum and still have a year left on is deal. Habs have over 30 pick in the next 3 drafts. Adding 5th round pick doesn’t bring much value to what they are trying to accomplish. Unless they get something they thing is really worthy in return they won’t move him. I think the starting point is a third round pick. Snything less then that the reward wouldn’t be greater then what Kovacevic brings to the team. They can keep him another year and move him for a 5th round pick the next deadline.

Even if we assume that Matheson and Savard wont be traded (not to say its likely they will be, but there isn't really a reason to assume they will be the veterans on the roster), Mailloux, Reinbacher and Hutson aren't ready to be penciled in as NHLers next season. Xhekaj and Struble are still waivers exempt next season and Lindstrom isn't really in any plans for the team. What Kovacevic has going for him from a Montreal POV is his cheap contract, being a right shot, has a predictable play-style and his willlingness to play any role. So even just going into next season on the basis that no D will be traded, having Matheson, Savard, Guhle, Barron, Harris, Xhekaj and Kovacevic on the NHL roster locks with opportunities for call-ups when someone struggles/is traded/is injured is probably better than trading Kovacevic for a couple of 5ths considering Montreal already has extra late round picks.

kovacevic is worth to montreal more than 2 5th rnd picks , offer declined

Kovacevic is better than Kulak who got a second, so we expect that for him

I'll say 2 4th but I don't see Montreal trade him. He has been good this season.

People underestimate Kovacevic
He's a third pair D but can back up on every pair
Simple guys easy to play with and he can play with anybody