Nosek signed a one-year, one-way deal worth $1,000,000.
By the end of the 2022-23 season, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald knew his team was on the fast track to becoming a Stanley Cup contender. His young core got a taste of postseason hockey and now understands how difficult it is to win a round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In this summer series, I will chronologically break down every move the organization made this offseason and discuss how it positively or negatively impacts the team for the 2023-24 season.
A late addition to the Devils roster was Tomas Nosek. The 31-year-old signed as a free agent on July 19 after spending the past two seasons with the Boston Bruins.
He is a versatile player who can play all three forward positions, making him valuable to head coach Lindy Ruff and an asset if and when injuries occur. He appeared in 66 games for the Bruins last season and matched his career-high 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists). He additionally was one of Boston's top penalty killers, averaging 2:33, second most among forwards behind Charlie Coyle. This would make him the ideal replacement for Yegor Sharangovich on the penalty kill.
One thing that has been repeatedly spoken about regarding the Devils' experience in the playoff was how difficult it was mentally—the quick turnaround between Game 7 of Round 1 and Game 1 of Round 2.
Nosek can be a valuable asset in helping the Devils' young core with the mental aspect of the game. During his introductory media availability, he spoke about players needing to trust their instincts, especially in the postseason.
"When you get older, I think you focus more on the mental preparation," Nosek said. "Trust your instinct, trust your gut, and play your game, (you) don't change anything because it's (the) playoffs. I think I can bring this in and help the young guys with that."
"I think that's what happened in Boston," he continued. "It was more about our heads than our game. I think we were thinking too much, and we didn't play like (we did in) the regular season. I think that was the reason why we lost in the first round."
Knowing Fitzgerlad is trying to surround his young core with veteran leadership, signing Nosek was a solid move.
Per the official press release, "Nosek has made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in every year of his NHL career, skating in 52 career games, with Vegas and Boston, and totaling 14 points (6g-8a). He was a member of the Golden Knights' Western Conference Championship team that played in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. Nosek has played postseason hockey in every North American professional hockey season he has participated (2014-15 to 2016-17 with Grand Rapids, AHL)."
He may not be the flashiest player on the ice, but a player's voice in the locker room can't be underestimated. His experience, especially last season, can prove instrumental in helping the Devils take the next step in their quest to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
