Nathan Regale made his NHL debut in the winter of 2024 at Madison Square Garden, one of the most iconic arenas worldwide. Besides witnessing the 5-1 win for New Jersey, he recalled the advice from his New York Rangers teammate Alexis La Frenzielle and New Jersey Devils teammate Justin Dowling before his first lap as a rookie.
“He advised me not to step on the puck on the ice,” Regale shared in a phone interview with Hockey News. “It would have been interesting if I had done that.”
The 24-year-old took part in three games with the Devils before returning to the Utica Comets in the American Hockey League, where he spent most of the 2024-25 season. Although his NHL stint was brief, it helped boost his confidence.
“I’m more confident in my game now,” he explained. “Having played a few NHL games is a milestone, but the next goal is to stay in the NHL and become a full-time player. That’s the focus now.”
The Devils acquired the versatile forward from the Montreal Canadiens on March 11, 2024. In his first full season with the Comets, he achieved a career-high 25 points in one season.
Regale played both wing and center positions in the AHL, typically on the fourth line. In the NHL, he sees himself as a bottom-six player who can bring energy and excel in penalty killing.
Knowing what sets him apart and impresses the New Jersey coaching staff, Regale emphasized his physical presence.
“That’s my strength,” he said. “In my first NHL game, I recorded five or six hits. When I’m physical, I play my best hockey.”
He continued, “It was significant for Utica. I was scoring goals late in the year but also playing physically. I got six fights plus two more in the preseason. I’m not seeking fights, but if the situation calls for it and my team needs me, I’ll step up.”
Regale tallied six hits in his NHL debut, tying for the most among Devils players that night. Over three games, he recorded a total of 12 hits.
With many depth players leaving the Devils through free agency, the Montreal native sees openings in New Jersey but remains realistic.
“Everyone wants to build a New Jersey powerhouse, but you have to be practical,” he said. “Going back to Utica isn’t the end of the world. You work hard and see what happens.”
During his time with the Devils organization, Regale has witnessed how hard work leads to positive results.
“That’s what I appreciate most about the New Jersey Devils,” he said.
His efforts and newfound confidence have shifted his mindset ahead of the upcoming training camp.
“I made a good first impression because last year I was traded in March,” he said. “This year, they know what I can bring, and they’ve seen my performance during the season. This could be a game-changer, and I hope to secure a spot on the roster at camp.”
“I don’t focus on depth charts; I just concentrate on my game. That worked last year and it’s my approach to camp. You never know what will happen.”
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Fan Take: Nathan Regale’s journey from AHL to the NHL highlights the grit and determination essential for rising players, giving fans a glimpse of the next generation ready to make their mark. His physical style and work ethic could invigorate the Devils’ lineup and inspire young athletes striving to turn their dreams into reality.
