The New Jersey Devils faced a significant setback in the 2023-24 season, falling short of their impressive 112-point performance from the previous year. After banking on internal talent to elevate their game, the team struggled, prompting a summer overhaul focused on bringing in experienced leadership. One of the key additions was forward Paul Cotter, whom the Devils acquired in a trade involving Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid.
Cotter quickly won over Devils fans, thanks in part to a lighthearted exchange on social media. This interaction helped ease initial concerns about the trade, but General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is counting on Cotter to prove his worth on the ice as well.
“For us today and what we wanted to accomplish, adding a guy like Paul Cotter, who we believe has upside and has a little bit of Miles Wood in him—he can skate and is physical,” Fitzgerald explained.
Unlike Holtz, Cotter is known for his gritty, bottom-six style of play, characterized by his physicality and defensive contributions. Last season, Cotter played 76 games for the Vegas Golden Knights, recording seven goals and 25 points. While not a prolific scorer, he made his presence felt with 233 hits and 35 forced turnovers, embodying the type of player Fitzgerald sees as crucial to the Devils’ success.
Cotter shares Fitzgerald’s confidence in his ability to take on a larger role with the team. “I think those three [terms] are perfect,” Cotter said in response to being described as a strong skater with speed and physicality. “I think one of my biggest assets is being versatile. I can play first line, I can play fourth line, second, third. Whatever is needed of me, that’s what I’ll do.”
At 24, soon to be 25, Cotter is nearing the prime of his career. While his statistics may not stand out, he has shown flashes of offensive potential, with a powerful shot and quick hands that could help him unlock another level of play. Known for his aggressive style, Cotter also possesses the confidence and maturity needed to thrive in the NHL.
Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy praised Cotter’s growth during the 2023-24 season, highlighting his ability to stay focused even when his ice time was limited. “It’s a sign of maturity that he stayed in the game. Maybe last year he would’ve drifted and said, ‘Aw, coach isn’t using me tonight. I don’t have it,’ and take himself out of the game mentally,” Cassidy noted.
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The Devils have a clear plan to revamp their lineup, and while it remains to be seen whether Cotter can reach the potential Fitzgerald sees in him, his work ethic and determination are undeniable. Cotter scored 13 goals in 55 games during his first full NHL season in 2022-23, which translates to nearly a 20-goal pace over 82 games.
No one expects Cotter to become the next Eric Lindros, but Fitzgerald’s belief in his ability to elevate his game is well-founded. If Cotter finds himself in the mix for top-six minutes alongside players like Jack Hughes or Jesper Bratt, the Devils may have struck gold with this acquisition.
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