Devils Newest Acquisitions Shine in NHL Global Series
"I am not looking for the best players; I am looking for the right ones."
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New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald took a page from Herb Brooks' book regarding his summer signings and acquisitions.
He did not bring Steven Stamkos or Jonathan Marchessault, and he did not need to. With a core filled with talent upfront and on the blue line, Fitzgerald needed to improve his goaltending and supporting cast by adding complementary pieces.
He did just that by improving his bottom six and adding to his defensive depth. In the team's first two games, his newest acquisitions shined and led his club to leave Prague, Czechia, sweeping the Buffalo Sabres in the 2024 NHL Global Series, earning four points.
Let's look at the players who stood out over the weekend for New Jersey.
Depth Forwards Leading The Way
Stefan Noesen made an immediate impact by scoring the first goal of 2024-25. A heavy forecheck by him and his linemates Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat caused a turnover, which resulted in New Jersey's first goal celebration of the season.
After two games, Paul Cotter leads the Devils with three points (two goals, one assist). He has already shown that he can be effective in more than just a fourth-line role, being bumped up to the third line in the team's second game in the absence of Palat.
The 24-year-old has two goals on four shots, two blocked shots, and three hits. Cotter has arguably been the biggest surprise. After Fitzgerald shipped Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid to the Vegas Golden Knights to acquire him, Devils fans did not know what to expect. So far, Cotter has delivered on all fronts and is the exact puzzle piece New Jersey was looking for.
Let Me Introduce Kovechkin
When General Manager Tom Fitzgerald acquired Johnathan Kovacevic from the Montreal Canadiens, he referred to him as his seventh defenseman - an extra who would be the next man up when injuries occurred.
Brett Pesce's recovery from an injury sustained last season led to Kovacevic starting the season paired with Jonas Siegenthaler.
The 27-year-old scored a goal and added an assist in his impressive Devils debut. He has arguably been the team's most consistent defenseman since training camp began. Besides his defensive play, offensive input, and physical style, it can't be understated how much better Siegenthaler has looked since playing with the newcomer.
The Devils Have a Goaltender
"Jacob Markstrom, no, you didn't! Oh my goodness! He looked like Roger Federer with that one. Reaching back with the racquet and already in Game 1, we have a save of the season candidate."
It took Jacob Markstrom 17 minutes to make a save that got fans on their feet and former NHL goaltender Kevin Weekes losing his mind.
Markstom made 30 saves on 31 shots in his Devils debut for a .968 save percentage. The veteran goaltender was perfect for the first 50 minutes of the game, surrendering his only goal with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third period.
His performance left many feeling that New Jersey finally found their goaltender.
The Devils will travel back to New Jersey on Sunday. Their next game will be their home opener at Prudential Center, where they will host the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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