Gritty Devils Newcomer Contributing In Multiple Ways
New Jersey Devils forward Paul Cotter matched his goal total from last season Tuesday night against the Florida Panthers.
Nov 12, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; New Jersey Devils center Paul Cotter (47) celebrates after scoring against the Florida Panthers during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images - Gritty Devils Newcomer Contributing In Multiple WaysPaul Cotter has a term he uses when it comes to his professional hockey career.
Be too good to ignore.
"If you keep doing things right over and over again, then maybe you (will) find yourself in a certain situation over a guy or an injury happens or whatever you are first in (line)," Cotter told The Hockey News in October. "I just take advantage of those opportunities when they come. Seems like I have always had to do that on teams, climb the ladder, so just another place to do it."
Is it really that simple for the 24-year-old New Jersey Devils forward?
"So far. Yeah, pretty much," Cotter said with a smirk.
Over the past 19 games, Cotter has played throughout New Jersey's lineup. He began the season with Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian for a new-look fourth line, and after an impressive start, was given the opportunity to move up to play with Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes. Most recently, he found a home on the third line with Erik Haula and Stefan Noesen.
On Tuesday night, Cotter scored his seventh goal of the season off an impressive play from Nico Hischier.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7amxxcuwzsE[/embed]
It tied the Canton, Michigan native's goal total from the 2023-24 season with the Vegas Golden Knights. Only difference? Last season, he did not score his seventh goal until Feb. 29, 2024.
"As you get a couple of years under your belt, no matter where you are, you are going to do a little bit better, and Vegas was a great stepping stone for me," Cotter said Tuesday night.
"I have a lot of respect for (GM Tom Fitzgerald) making that trade and (head coach Sheldon Keefe) for giving me a little bit more opportunity, whether it is four-on-four or different situations that I can thrive in or show my potential," he continued. "I think it is getting more opportunity to get a little more comfortable to make plays. Obviously, I am playing with Noesen and Haula for the most part, and we mesh easy and it makes it easy on me."
Since training camp began, Cotter has positively impacted the Devils. He has 12 points (seven goals, five assists) and a team-leading 52 hits.
It is safe to say he has been too good to be ignored, and with four points over his last five games, he seems to be only getting started.
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