Here's a recap of the latest Devils' news and notes from the past week.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Training camp will be here before we know it. In less than a month's time, rookies and veterans will report to their NHL teams, and the opening day for the 2023-24 season will be here in the blink of an eye. Over the past few weeks, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald signed another depth player, and a former netminder announced he is putting his pads away.
Let's look at the biggest headlines of the past week.
New Jersey Devils Headlines
- Keep an eye on Tomas Tatar and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Over the past few weeks, multiple reports have linked the 32-year-old with the Devils Metropolitan Division rival. If he signs a professional tryout (PTO) with the Penguins, it will reunite him with former Devils teammates Ty Smith, Andreas Johnsson, and Ryan Graves.
- Jonathan Bernier officially announced his retirement from the NHL. He appeared in 10 games for the Devils during the 2021-22 season, earning a record of 4-4-1.
One Foote, Two Foote...
The Devils signed defenseman Cal Foote to a one-year, two-way contract on Aug. 9, 2023. The older brother of Nolan began last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning but was traded to the Nashville Predators, along with five future draft picks, in exchange for Tanner Jeannot.
Foote's contract is worth $800,000 at the NHL level and $350,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level ($450,000 guaranteed) for 2023-24.
The Lightning originally drafted both brothers in the first round. Cal was selected 14th overall in 2017, and Nolan was picked 27th overall in 2019. They never played together in Tampa but were teammates in Kelowna in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
The 6-foot-5, 224-pound blueliner has appeared in 141 NHL games and has accumulated 121 penalty minutes, including five fighting majors. Foote, a righthanded shot, has 19 career points (five goals, 14 assists). He was part of the 2021 Lightning Stanley Cup championship team with Ondrej Palat. Foote qualified to be engraved on the Cup by playing in half of Tampa Bay's regular-season games.
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- Former Devils Goaltender Announces Retirement from NHL
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- Devils Offseason Moves: Brunette Departs for Predators
- Devils Offseason Moves: Severson Traded to Blue Jackets
- Devils Offseason Moves: Bratt Signs Eight-Year Contract
- Devils Offseason Moves: Green Joins Coaching Staff
- Devils Offseason Moves: Haula Finds a Home in New Jersey
- Devils Offseason Moves: Walsh Traded to Bruins
- Devils Offseason Moves: Blackwood Traded to Sharks
- Devils Offseason Moves: Sharangovich Traded for Toffoli
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Around the Metropolitan Division
- Erik Karlsson is officially in the Metropolitan Division. On Aug. 6, 2023, he was traded in a three-team deal that included the Montreal Canadiens. He joins a defensive core that includes Graves, Kris Letang, and Marcus Pettersson.
- The Washington Capitals and Tom Wilson agreed to a seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension on Aug 4. The 29-year-old has more career points versus the Devils than any other NHL opponent. In 38 games, he has collected 20 points (six goals, 14 assists).
- The Carolina Hurricanes continue to add players to their blue line. On Aug. 10, they signed Caleb Jones to a one-year contract. Previously, the 26-year-old played for the Chicago Blackhawks with his brother Seth Jones. Additionally, they signed Nathan Beaulieu to a PTO. Currently, ten defensemen will be attending training camp, which makes some question if the Hurricanes have another move up their sleeve before the season begins.