The father of two signed a one-year contract with the Devils.
When Tomas Nosek met with Boston Bruins reporters for his end-of-season media availability, he was clear on what he hoped his future would be.
"I want to stay here," he said. "That's my number one priority. We love Boston. My family loves Boston."
Nosek's family consists of his wife, Eliska, and sons, Patrik and Matias, who were both born when he played for the Vegas Golden Knights. His older son Patrik began preschool this past winter.
Understanding the business side of things, Nosek knew that as an unrestricted free agent, the decision to stay in Boston would ultimately not be his.
One reporter asked the 30-year-old what it was about Boston that made his family feel connected to the city.
"We moved here last year, and we just fell in love. We are from Europe, and I think Boston is a more European city than other US cities," he said. "We really like it here, and memories make it special."
July 1 would be a busy one for Bruins' general manager Don Sweeney, but as Nosek told Devils reporters on July 20, he was waiting for a call that never came.
"I didn't want to move, and it was my number one priority (to stay in Boston) because of the kids," he said. "I was waiting, and nothing happened there."
Two and a half weeks later, Nosek signed a one-year, one-way deal worth $1,000,000 with New Jersey.
"It was a little longer than I wished it to be, to be honest. It was stressful for me and my family," he said
Nosek is not the only player with a family who has spoken about the stress and challenges of going through free agency.
Current Devils' defenseman Brendan Smith spoke during his introductory media availability about the importance of getting the security of a two-year deal because of his family, saying, "The one-year (contract) is tougher as you get older with a family."
After signing a three-year contract to remain in New Jersey, Erik Haula talked about the importance of having stability for his wife Kristen, and son Henrik.
"Being able to get that security for my family is huge. Everywhere we've gone, there's been a lot of uncertainty, and wanting to grow the family is not that easy when you're moving every single year."
Nosek continued to speak about how things have changed throughout his career, especially now that he has two young children to move around. The biggest question for the versatile forward has become, "What's best for the kids?".
One person who helped Nosek decide was a fellow countryman and father of two, Patrik Elias. The Devils' newest forward explained that Elias sold him on how great New Jersey is.
"When I was deciding, I got a call from (Elias), and it made a positive impact on my decision. He said how great New Jersey is, and I know he is one of the best players from the Czech Republic who ever played in the NHL."
It has to be a challenge for a player with a family to find an organization that checks off all the boxes on and off the ice, but it appears Nosek may have found it for the 2023-24 season.
"When I got that offer (from the Devils), they pretty much were on top of the list right away. I'm really happy that they called and made this happen," he said. I appreciate the opportunity to join the Devils organization. It's a great team, and I'm excited to join the group. ...I want to win, and that's why I'm here."