After being re-signed by the Devils, does Foote have a chance at making the Devils' lineup?
Today, the New Jersey Devils announced the signing of forward Nolan Foote to a one-year, two-way contract with an AAV of $825,000. This deal also has an AHL-level AAV of $150,000.
However, does that mean he will make the opening night roster? It is possible, but it seems the odds are against him.
Firstly, the 23-year-old is recovering from a back injury but expects to be ready for the start of the season.
"It has kind of been lingering for four years; it happened a while ago. A low back injury disc issue."
Once he recovers fully and is ready to compete, does he have a shot at making the opening night roster?
It isn't that he isn't talented or ready to make the jump. It just seems that GM Tom Fitzgerald has built the 2024-25 Devils' roster to be bigger and more physical than they have been in the past.
Fitzgerald has re-signed MacDermid and also brought in Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, Paul Cotter, and Stefan Noesen—who all have the size and a gritter style of play than past Devils' signings.
As of right now, Foote's biggest competition is Nathan Bastian. However, Bastian has more of a physical edge over Foote.
With Fitzgerald building a more physically dominant team, it would make more sense for Bastian to make the team over Foote.
Unfortunately, it looks like Foote will start in the AHL with the Utica Comets. But he will stay ready and will be an injury call-up for the Devils.