The New Jersey Devils announced on Thursday that defenceman Johnathan Kovacevic (knee) is out indefinitely while forward Stefan Noesen (groin) will miss time to start the 2025-26 season.
Kovacevic had knee surgery over the summer while Noesen, who had a pre-existing groin injury, re-injured it and required a procedure.
Kovacevic, 28, had one goal and 17 points in 81 games last season with the Devils, his first with the team.
A third-round pick (74th overall) by Winnipeg in 2017, he made his NHL debut in January of 2022 against the Vancouver Canucks.
He was claimed off waivers by the Montreal Canadiens in October of 2022, where he spent two seasons before being acquired by the Devils last year.
Kovacevic inked a five-year, $20 million contract extension with New Jersey on March 7.
The Hamilton, Ont., native has skated in 224 career NHL games, scoring 10 goals with 45 points.
Noesen, 32, had a career year last season in New Jersey, notching career highs in goals (22) and points (41).
A first-round pick (21st overall) in 2011 by Ottawa, Noesen has skated in 444 career NHL games, scoring 80 goals with 168 points, split between the Anaheim Ducks, Devils (x2), Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes.
