This Devils signing is continuing to make a big impact.
The New Jersey Devils made several moves this past off-season after a tough 2023-24 season. One was reuniting with Stefan Noesen by signing him to a three-year, $8.25 million contract in free agency.
When the Devils signed Noesen, the move was understandable. They needed help in their top nine, and the 31-year-old forward just had back-to-back solid seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. After posting 13 goals and 36 points in 2022-23, he set career highs with 14 goals and 37 points last season.
While Noesen had a big year with the Hurricanes last season, he has hit a new level since returning to the Devils. In 45 games this season, he already has reached a new career-high with 17 goals. He also has 28 points this campaign, so he is well on his way to having a career year offensively.
Due to his excellent play, Noesen has emerged as a key part of the Devils' top six and is also given plenty of power-play reps. In addition, the 6-foot-1 forward has given the Devils more grit, as his 94 hits this season show.
Noesen is continuing to make a significant difference as the season rolls on, too. In the Devils' last matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, he scored the overtime winner after securing a loose puck in front and firing it home.
Although the Noesen signing was a bit under the radar this past summer, it is easily now among the best in the NHL.