It’s fair to say that the New Jersey Devils weren’t the team they used to be in the 2023-24 season. After a strong 112-point performance in 2022-23, they struggled significantly last season, hoping that certain internal players could elevate the team but ultimately fell short. To address this, New Jersey revamped its roster over the summer, adding crucial veteran leadership and determination. One player they’re counting on to help restore some essential elements is forward Paul Cotter.
The trade that brought Paul Cotter and a draft pick to the Devils in exchange for Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid certainly stirred up the New Jersey fan base.
However, Cotter quickly won over fans with a lighthearted interaction on X (formerly Twitter) with a supporter.
Unreal, cant wait to break the sweater out opening day 🫨#NJDevils pic.twitter.com/mL2DbxAFKS
— Dom (@di1499) July 1, 2024
The social media interaction quickly changed the mood of Devils fans, showcasing Cotter’s commitment off the ice. Fitzgerald is relying on him to win over fans with his on-ice performance.
“For us today and what we wanted to achieve, adding a player like Paul Cotter, who we believe has potential and some qualities reminiscent of Miles Wood—he can skate and is physical,” Fitzgerald explained.
Cotter contrasts sharply with Holtz. He has established himself in the NHL as a bottom-six grinder, known for his hitting ability while occasionally contributing offensively.
Last season, Cotter had a standout year with the Golden Knights, playing 76 games and scoring seven goals with 25 points. However, scoring wasn’t his primary role; instead, he was a player who delivered 233 hits and created 35 turnovers, serving as a forechecking threat—likely what Fitzgerald meant by the “Miles Wood in him.”
Cotter aligns with the Devils’ GM’s vision and believes he can take on a more significant role, tapping into that potential Fitzgerald sees in him.
“I think those three terms are perfect,” Cotter said when asked to describe himself as a fast skater with physicality.
“They’re great descriptors for my game. I consider my versatility one of my biggest strengths. I can play on the first line, fourth line, or anywhere in between. Whatever the team needs, I’ll be ready to step up. My core game—being physical, possessing the puck, and bringing high energy to the bench—will always be there, and I hope to contribute on any line.”
Cotter is approaching the prime of his career; at 24, he’ll turn 25 just a month after the start of the 2024-25 season. While his raw statistics don’t stand out offensively and his advanced metrics aren’t particularly compelling, he has shown flashes of offensive promise. He possesses a powerful shot that can challenge NHL goaltenders and has deft hands that, combined with his speed, help him create scoring opportunities.
WATCH THIS GOAL 1,000 TIMES AND YOU STILL WILL NOT HAVE WATCHED THIS GOAL ENOUGH TIMES
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 25, 2023
While he’s recognized for his aggressive style, Cotter possesses two key traits that could elevate his game: confidence and maturity.
“That’s part of growing up—staying present and not letting underperformance affect your mindset,” said Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy to The Athletic during the 2023-24 season, after a game where Cotter had limited minutes but still contributed to the scoresheet.
“I made a choice to try to spark other players, and he just happened to be the one affected. He wasn’t any worse than the others. It shows maturity that he remained engaged—last year, he might have drifted mentally, thinking, ‘Coach isn’t using me, so I’ll check out.’”
Ultimately, the Devils aimed to revamp their roster this summer. Whether Cotter can tap into the potential that Fitzgerald and others see in him is still uncertain. Nonetheless, the Devils are definitely adding a hard-working player who will make life difficult for opponents every time he hits the ice.
In his first full NHL season in 2022-23, Cotter scored 13 goals in 55 games, which is nearly a 20-goal pace over an 82-game season.
No one expects Cotter to become the next Eric Lindros. However, Fitzgerald’s faith in Cotter’s ability to elevate his game is well-founded, especially if he becomes part of a top-six line with players like Jack Hughes or Jesper Bratt.
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