Casey signed his entry-level deal with the Devils on May 6
Heading into the 2022 NHL Draft, Seamus Casey had caught the attention of scouts and the hockey world alike. Coming off an impressive season with the U.S. National Team Development Program, Casey was viewed by many as an early second round pick.
While he didn't go as early as some had him ranked (#29 by NHL Central Scouting and #40 by Craig Button to name a few), Casey heard his name called by the New Jersey Devils with the 46th overall pick.
Fast forward to today and Casey has made the Devils look savvy with their selection after two impressive years with the Michigan Wolverines.
Coming off a 29 point freshman season, Casey followed that up with 45 points in 40 games during his 2023-24 sophomore year - showcasing an offensive game that very few blue liners at the college level could match.
After the Wolverines were eliminated by Boston College in the Frozen Four semifinals, Casey took his time to decide on whether to turn pro or not - ultimately signing his entry-level deal with the Devils on May 6.
As he makes the transition to the professional level next season, Casey could make some noise. His offensive instincts and ability to process the play make him a prime candidate to watch amongst Devils' prospects.
Confidence with the Puck
Throughout his time with the U.S. NTDP and Michigan, Casey has exuded confidence with the puck on his stick. His ability to recognize open lanes makes him a threat to attack in transition and in the offensive zone.
Take this clip for example. Casey identifies the open lane driving through the neutral zone, beating the first layer of pressure. He attacks the defender head on with the puck, using a quick move to pull the puck around his stick while driving the net where he eats the goalie with another quick move to the forehand.
This play perfectly encapsulates Casey's confidence and control with the puck on his stick. Where some players who make the jump to the professional level may be scared to try things, Casey's confidence to create will only help him in the future.
Skating and Processing Ability
Casey's ability to process the play and evade pressure is another strong tool in his toolkit. Using his strong four-way mobility, Casey can beat opponents with ease, whether that be when going back to retrieve the puck or when looking to move the puck up ice.
Throughout his NCAA career, Casey has certainly made plays that have left spectators bewildered and this clip is certainly one of them.
Starting with the puck in his own end, Casey scans the play and knows the first layer of pressure (or F1) is going to pressure him as the puck carrier.
As the forechecker steps up, Casey is able to beat the opponent with a quick move to the outside and drives up ice. Taking the space available to him, Casey builds up speed in the neutral zone en route to the opponents' blue-line.
Thanks to the momentum he built up through the neutral zone, he is able to beat F2 wide. While for some players, driving to the outside may have resulted in a turnover, Casey is able to process the play and make a quick move to salvage the play.
After beating the defender with a move through his stick, Casey finds himself in the middle of the slot on his backhand where he is able to get enough torque on his shot to beat the goalie. What makes the last part of the sequence more impressive is his ability to maintain his balance using his edgework.
Casey's ability to use his skating and processing ability come together on this play.
Next Steps
With a logjam of talented players on the blue-line, it is likely that Casey begins next season with the Utica Comets. While he may impress with the Devils at training camp, Casey has still yet to play his first professional game.
By allowing him to develop at his own pace (and not being afraid of potential mistakes), the Devils will end up reaping the rewards.
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