The New Jersey Devils are making strategic moves to enhance their roster for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season. On May 6, the team announced the signing of Russian forward Arseniy Gritsyuk to a one-year, entry-level contract, set to commence in the 2025-26 season. Gritsyuk, a promising talent, was selected by the Devils in the 2023 NHL Draft and is expected to add depth and skill to the team’s forward lines.
In addition to the Gritsyuk signing, the Devils are focusing on maximizing the potential of forward Paul Cotter. Acquired in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, Cotter has shown flashes of offensive prowess but has struggled with consistency. Head coach Sheldon Keefe and general manager Tom Fitzgerald are working to unlock Cotter’s full potential, aiming to solidify his role in the team’s bottom-six forward group and contribute more consistently to the Devils’ offensive efforts.
As the Devils prepare for the 2025-26 season, the combination of Gritsyuk’s arrival and efforts to enhance Cotter’s performance could provide the team with the depth and scoring balance needed to compete at a higher level.
The Curious Case of Paul Cotter: Unlocking His Potential for the 2025–26 Season
Paul Cotter’s inaugural season with the New Jersey Devils was a rollercoaster of promise and challenges. Acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in a trade that sent Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid westward, Cotter was expected to bring a blend of speed, physicality, and scoring depth to the Devils’ lineup. While he showcased flashes of brilliance, his journey through the 2024–25 season highlighted areas for growth and potential for the upcoming year.The Hockey Writers+1Reuters+1
A Promising Start
The 2024–25 season began with high expectations for Cotter. In the first 19 games, he netted 7 goals and 5 assists, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His physical presence was undeniable, recording 52 hits and maintaining a +2 plus-minus rating. Cotter’s aggressive playstyle and ability to generate scoring chances made him a valuable asset on the ice.
Mid-Season Struggles
However, as the season progressed, Cotter’s performance began to dip. Over the next 30 games, his production slowed significantly, with only 3 goals and 1 assist. His penalty minutes increased to 29, and his plus-minus rating dropped to -9. Despite his efforts, Cotter’s line combinations struggled to maintain offensive pressure, often leading to defensive breakdowns.
A Glimmer of Hope
In the final 30 games, Cotter found a resurgence, scoring 6 goals. However, his assist tally remained at zero, indicating a continued struggle with playmaking. His physicality remained a constant, recording 81 hits, but his overall impact was inconsistent. While Cotter’s goal-scoring ability was evident, his lack of playmaking and defensive lapses highlighted areas needing improvement.
The Jack Hughes Experiment
One intriguing development was Cotter’s brief pairing with star center Jack Hughes. In over 100 minutes together, the duo demonstrated strong possession metrics, with Cotter’s presence boosting Hughes’ shot attempts and scoring chances. Despite this, the pair was outscored 4–2, suggesting that while their styles complemented each other, the results didn’t translate into consistent success.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward to the 2025–26 season, Cotter’s role remains uncertain. His physicality and scoring ability make him a valuable asset, but his inconsistency and lack of playmaking hinder his potential. Head coach Sheldon Keefe will need to find the right line combinations to maximize Cotter’s strengths while addressing his weaknesses.
For Cotter, the key to unlocking his full potential lies in refining his playmaking skills and maintaining consistent defensive play. By focusing on these areas, he can evolve from a sporadic contributor to a reliable top-nine forward. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for Cotter to solidify his place in the Devils’ lineup and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.
As the Devils prepare for the 2025–26 season, the development of players like Cotter will be crucial in determining the team’s depth and overall performance. With the right adjustments and continued growth, Cotter has the potential to be a significant contributor to the Devils’ success in the upcoming season.