Devils Need to Reunite Siegenthaler and Kovacevic in 2026-27 – The Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

It’s no secret that the New Jersey Devils are gearing up for their biggest comeback yet. A whirlwind of changes throughout the offseason indicate that the team is on the right track, as the excitement for training camp continues. At long last, fans will be able to see general manager (GM) Sunny Mehta’s master plan come to fruition — which will hopefully result in a deeper playoff run this time around.

On paper, they have all the necessary components to be a contender. Their search for a top-six wing is over, their defensive backbone is fully healthy, and they even added reinforcements in the crease. However, their blue line was constantly shuffled around due to a multitude of injuries in 2025-26. Now, early roster projections from PuckPedia have kept these line configurations from the end of last season. 

But can a defensive pairing from 2024-25 be the answer? Here is my case as to why the Devils should consider reuniting Jonas Siegenthaler and Johnathan Kovacevic.

Siegenthaler & Hamilton Is Not the Answer

Unfortunately, the Siegenthaler-Kovacevic pairing was placed on the back burner last season after being unable to put up similar numbers to 2024-25. But Kovacevic was limited to just 34 games following an ACL tear and knee surgery, rejoining the lineup when the Devils were already in a slump. Likewise, Siegenthaler spent the majority of his ice time last season with Hamilton — an entirely different role compared to his shutdown responsibilities two seasons ago.

For as many minutes as Siegenthaler and Hamilton played together, they just couldn’t seem to find their footing. They wound up being on the ice for more goals against (49 GA) than goals for (43 GF). The same went for scoring chances and high-danger goals. Even though Siegenthaler’s scoring chance percentage (SCF%) saw a slight elevation, Hamilton’s offensive production was stifled overall. He struggled immensely during the first half of last season, but bounced back toward the end of 2025-26.

Both players will look to start the upcoming season off strong, which is why head coach Sheldon Keefe needs to choose linemates who will emphasize their strengths. The Siegenthaler-Hamilton line originated out of necessity, but now that the Devils’ defensive core is healthy once again, it’s time to bring back Siegenthaler and Kovacevic as a shutdown duo.

Devils Have Elite Shutdown Pair in Siegenthaler & Kovacevic

In order to understand just how effective Siegenthaler and Kovacevic have been in the past, let’s take a look at some metrics from Natural Stat Trick. In 2024-25, the two shared just under 800 minutes of ice time, resulting in 29 goals for and 17 against for the Devils. Their 63.04 goals for percentage (GF%) was 4.68 percentage points higher than expected (58.36 xGF%), but the pair excelled even more at suppressing scoring chances.

For example, they had a 51.74 SCF%, and both players saw improvement playing on the same line. Siegenthaler’s SCF% rose by 11.37%, while Kovacevic’s skyrocketed with a 22.46% increase. They also were on the ice for 27 more high-danger scoring chances for than against, while Devils’ goaltenders averaged a .944 save percentage (SV%) when they were deployed.

With so much offensive talent on their blue line, it’s imperative that the Devils have a reliable shutdown pairing. Hamilton and Luke Hughes may have a knack for finding the back of the net, but the team will need strong defensive instincts in other situations, especially on the penalty kill. Siegenthaler and Kovacevic certainly meet that criterion.

Two seasons ago, Siegenthaler in particular had exceptional shorthanded metrics. He was on the ice for just seven goals against, his lowest since 2020-21, when the Devils acquired him. Likewise, Kovacevic’s numbers improved as a result of being paired with him, with a 13.75% increase in his unblocked shot attempt percentage (FF%) and a 24.62% rise in his shots for percentage (SF%).

The penalty kill is yet another example of why the two are better together. Their chemistry and defensive mindset can be a major asset for the Devils this season.

Looking Ahead to 2026-27

The Devils already have the ideal group in terms of dynamic defense. Hughes and Brett Pesce have made a full recovery, offering quick skating, an offensive surge, and ample shot blocking. At the moment, it looks like Hamilton is staying with the club, despite trade rumors resurfacing throughout the year. His veteran experience and special teams dominance should mesh well with Brenden Dillon’s physicality and stability.

The blue line will play a crucial role in their chances at success, but reuniting Siegenthaler and Kovacevic would take their defense to the next level. With Kovacevic being completely healthy and Siegenthaler looking to bounce back from various disruptions, this pairing could provide balance and dependability. Their complementary strengths resulted in a top-notch shutdown pairing, so it’s high time the Devils gave this defensive combination another chance.