On June, 29 Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald acquired 24-year-old Paul Cotter from the Vegas Golden Knights and a 2025 third-round pick in exchange for forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid.
Cotter concluded his career with the Golden Knights with 22 goals and 45 points in 138 games. Over three seasons, he accumulated 418 hits and built a reputation for being excellent on the forecheck.
It is no secret that the Devils front office was looking to add more grit to their bottom-six forward group. Over the past two seasons, the club parted ways with Yegor Sharangovich, Jesper Boqvist, and Alexander Holtz and brought in Curtis Lazar, Kurtis MacDermid, Stefan Noesen , and Cotter.
In the past calendar year, New Jersey lost depth forward Miles Wood, who signed as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche, and Michael McLeod, who was charged with sexual assault in January.
During a media availability on July 3, Fitzgerald spoke about his trade for Cotter.
"Adding a guy like Paul Cotter, who we believe has upside and has a little bit of Miles Wood in him, he can skate, he's physical. The pieces and the identity that we were looking for," he said.
In his own introductory media availability, Cotter shared that he is a Swiss army knife.
"I think one of my biggest assets is being versatile," Cotter said. "I can play first line, fourth line, second, third. I can fit a lot of different roles. Whatever is needed of me, that's what I will do. My core game itself is being physical, puck possession, and high energy on the bench. That will always be there. Hopefully, I can contribute to whatever line I'm on."
The Devils need a hard-checking line that can provide that necessary spark and be counted on to provide energy. Cotter will be an excellent complimentary player whether he is on a line with Nathan Bastian , Erik Haula, Lazar or Noesen.
"To reach out and make a trade for me and want me is awesome," Cotter said. "You want to go where you're wanted. For me, (the Devils) put the belief in me. Now, it is time for me to give back. I'm super pumped."
Cotter confirmed he will wear number 47 for the 2024-25 campaign. Devils fans will be able to get their first look at him in red and black when the club's preseason schedule begins in late September.
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