The New Jersey Devils are set to play against the Vegas Golden Knights tonight, marking a special reunion for winger Paul Cotter. Cotter was traded from Vegas to New Jersey in June 2024, and examining how well he fits with the Devils along with the trade’s impact on both teams is insightful.
On June 29, 2024, Cotter and a 2025 third-round draft pick were sent from Vegas to New Jersey in return for Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmidt.
Cotter, originally picked by the Golden Knights in the fourth round of the 2018 NHL Draft, spent three seasons with Vegas, playing in 138 games and recording 22 goals and 23 assists. Since joining the Devils, Cotter has played 106 games, contributing 18 goals and 10 assists.
He integrated well with New Jersey last season, playing 79 games, hitting a career-high with 16 goals and 22 points, and setting a franchise record with 245 hits. Although Cotter had a slow start this season, the entire Devils team has struggled, losing three consecutive games, with head coach Sheldon Keefe noting that their latest defeat drained the team’s energy.
On the Golden Knights’ side, Alexander Holtz has not met expectations. This season, he appeared in 8 games without scoring any points, and last season, he managed only 12 points over 53 games—falling short for the 23-year-old left winger. Akira Schmidt, however, has shown promise, playing in 15 games this season after just five last season, boasting a .896 save percentage and a 9-2 record as goaltender.
Heading into tonight’s game, the Golden Knights hold a 12-6-8 record with 32 points, while the Devils are closely behind with 16 wins, 10 losses, and 1 draw, totaling 33 points. This trade appears to benefit both teams: Cotter suits the Devils well, and Schmidt has been a valuable asset for Vegas.
The puck drops at 7 PM tonight as both teams aim to boost their win totals.
Fan Take: This trade highlights how strategic moves can shift a team’s dynamic and performance on the ice. Hockey fans should watch closely because matchups like these showcase how player trades can redefine team success and rivalry excitement.
