Reports: Fans in celebration as Vegas Golden Knights reunites and brings back former top star in a blockbuster move

Needless to say, the 2023–24 New Jersey Devils weren’t even close to what they could have been. The Devils were a formidable force in 2022–23, when they scored 112 points. However, last season, they gambled on some internal pieces to go to the next level and failed miserably.

This summer, New Jersey underwent a transformation following that failure; it brought in much-needed seasoned leadership and put in some work. Forward Paul Cotter is one person the Devils are counting on to help replenish some key components of their roster.

Certainly, the New Jersey fan base was rattled when the Devils acquired Paul Cotter and a draft pick from Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid.

But after a light-hearted X (formerly Twitter) conversation with a fan, Cotter swiftly won over the Devils’ followers.

As a result of his off-ice good faith, the social media discussion swiftly shifted the sentiment of Devils fans. Fitzgerald hopes that Cotter can maintain the admiration of the hockey fans with his performance.

When asked about their goals for the day, Fitzgerald said, “We believe there is upside in adding a guy like Paul Cotter. He has a little bit of Miles Wood in him, and he can skate and is physically strong.”

If you compare Holtz to Cotter, you’ll see a very different player. His reputation in the NHL has been built on his ability to contribute offensively on occasion and his reputation as a bottom-six grinder.

Cotter recorded a career-high seven goals and twenty-five points in seventy-six games played with the Golden Knights in the previous season. Nevertheless, Cotter was not good at making points. The “Miles Wood in him” that Fitzgerald mentioned was probably more accurately described as an offensive threat who racked up 233 hits and 35 turnovers.

Cotter and the Devils’ general manager have the same vision, if that helps. He goes so far as to think he can play a leading role, which would put him in a position to take advantage of the potential that Fitzgerald said Cotter had.

Cotter responded to a prompt that characterised him as a plus skater with physicality and speed by saying, “I think those three are perfect [terms].”

In your game, those are excellent terms to utilise. My adaptability is one of my strongest strengths. You name it, I can play first, second, third, fourth and even fourth line. There are a number of hats that I can wear. Therefore, I will do whatever is required of me. I believe that my fundamental skills, like as physical play, puck possession, and strong energy on the bench, will remain consistent regardless of my line of play.

Just one month before the 2024–25 season begins, Cotter will be 25, putting him on the cusp of his prime as a 24-year-old. His offensive numbers aren’t particularly impressive, and his fancy stats aren’t exactly helping his cause, either.

Having said that, Cotter has displayed moments of offensive ability. His hard shot can beat NHL goaltenders no doubt, and his speed and deft hands allow him to dribble past opponents and set up scoring opportunities.

Indeed, he has a reputation for being a vicious player. But he has two abilities that could let him advance in his game.

In an interview with The Athletic earlier in 2023–24, Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy said, “That’s a part of growing up too, is to stay in the moment and not get down on yourself if you’re not playing or let your mind wander.” This came after a game in which Cotter had few minutes but still managed to score.

“He was unintentionally harmed because I made a decision to encourage other guys to do something. He wasn’t the worst, in my opinion. His decision to remain in the game shows maturity. If he had said anything like, “Aw, coach isn’t using me tonight,” he might have strayed last year. He psychologically removes himself from the situation, saying, “I don’t have it.”

Ultimately, the Devils had a strategy to retool their roster this summer. Fitzgerald and others see unrealised promise in Cotter; the question is whether he ever realises it. But the Devils are, at the absolute least, acquiring a workhorse who, to put it frankly, will make the opposition’s life a living misery for every shift he plays.

When Cotter made his NHL debut in 2022–23, he played in 55 games and scored 13 goals. In 82 games, that’s almost 20 goals per match.

You won’t hear anyone requesting that Cotter take over for Eric Lindros. But Fitzgerald is absolutely right to think Cotter can find a new level to his game. This is particularly true if he ends up sharing playing time with either Jack Hughes or Jesper Bratt in the starting lineup.