New Jersey Devils prospect Nolan Foote caught the attention of the team's front office and staff this season as he focuses on reinventing his game and preparing for the transition to full-time NHLer.
New Jersey Devils prospect Nolan Foote caught the attention of the team's front office and staff this season as he focuses on reinventing his game and preparing for the transition to full-time NHLer.
On February 16, 2020, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald decided to trade fan favorite Blake Coleman to the Tampa Bay Lightning after being offered a return that was too good to pass up.
The return was prospect Nolan Foote and a 2020 first-round pick that eventually became Shakir Mukhamadullin.
Since the trade, Foote has appeared in 19 NHL games and has seven points (five goals, two assists). Over the past three seasons, he has spent the majority of his time playing in the American Hockey League for the Utica Comets.
During his end-of-season media availability, Fitzgerald was asked if there were any players in Utica that his staff was impressed with, and he quickly responded with Foote.
"I think he's the example of proper player development," he said.
Foote, who is listed as a left winger, played the center position at times this past season. In 55 games, he put up 37 points, which was third-best behind Graeme Clarke and Reilly Walsh.
"That's incredible for a kid who has never really played center. He's got good size, and his skating has improved," Fitzgerald said. "He's a real good kid. But he was committed to it. That's all you ask. When I look at player development, I look at where he started, where he was, and where he's going. I give all credit to our (Utica) coaching staff. But, most importantly, Nolan should get a lot of credit as well. He accepted it. He's thriving. We have big plans for Nolan."
Head coach Lindy Ruff also noticed improvements in Foote's skating when the Denver, Colorado native was recalled in January and March.
"I think it starts with skating. He's skating better," Ruff said. "His play around the puck, he seems strong around the puck. When your legs are stronger, and you're not knocked off (the puck), you can get more done. He's getting to places quicker. With any young player, he needs to understand that sometimes there is always a higher level that you need to get to. Sometimes they get that in a year or maybe two. He's been working really hard at his game, and it's starting to show."
Could Foote Follow in Bastian's Footsteps?
It's hard not to notice parallels between Foote and 25-year-old Nathan Bastian.
Bastian is listed as 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, a stature very similar to Foote, who is 6-foot-3, 196 pounds. During Bastian's end-of-season media availability in May of 2021, he spoke about needing to adjust his game.
"I don't know how many people go through their careers, and their game changes as drastically as mine has," he explained. "When I was younger, I was scoring goals, toe dragging, and I don't have the skill to do that at this level. It's a matter of knowing your game, believing in it, and finding a way to contribute."
When speaking about Foote, Fitzgerald said, "I think with our guidance and help through our development team and coaches (in Utica) educating him on what he would look like at the NHL level, how he would be successful, and try to help him reinvent himself."
If Foote earns a roster spot for the 2023-24 season, he will likely serve a bottom-six role, like Bastian. Utica Comets general manager Dan MacKinnon alluded to as much during an interview with Ben Birnell of Sentinel Media.
"We've been happy with Nolan Foote from a maturity standpoint in his game and a commitment to playing a style of game that will keep him in the NHL one day full-time."
"A heavier presence on the wing. He's in traffic more. He's a little more physical, causing turnovers, MacKinnon continued. "All that great stuff that can translate to a middle six or bottom six role in the NHL rather than trying to define your game as just a straight shooter."
All signs point to Foote being a player to watch when training camp opens in the fall. His development has consistently been brought up throughout the 2022-23 campaign, and his new versatility of playing center and wing could give him an edge in Ruff eyes.