The New Jersey Devils’ 2025‑26 campaign concluded abruptly, as the club failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing with a 42‑37‑3 record. Despite a strong opening, the team faltered after returning from the Olympic break, ultimately missing the postseason. An aggressive offseason focused on adding depth, scoring, and blue‑line reinforcement is expected.
All roster members made contributions throughout the season, though a few stood out more prominently. This report focuses on forward Paul Cotter, whose performance was solid but not outstanding.
Performance With the Devils This Season
This season marked Cotter’s second full campaign with New Jersey. He appeared in all 79 games, contributing 15 points (nine goals and six assists). He opened his scoring streak seven games into the season, netting the first goal on October 22 against the Minnesota Wild and opening the scoring for both teams. Three games later he logged his first assist.
Impact With the Devils
Cotter has been a reliable fixture on New Jersey’s fourth line. While his seasonal point total of 15 does not reflect frequent scoring, he performs his role effectively by absorbing minutes, allowing the top lines to rest and re‑enter the game.
The season represented his fifth NHL year and his fourth as a full‑time player. His experience was crucial early on, when he skated alongside younger teammates such as Brian Halonen. Although he occasionally moved between the third and fourth lines, the bulk of his ice time was spent on the fourth line.
Future With the Devils
Following the 2023‑24 season, the Vegas Golden Knights traded Cotter to New Jersey in exchange for Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid, leaving two years remaining on the contract he originally signed with Vegas. After completing two full seasons with the Devils, he has now entered the final year of his three‑year deal, positioning him as a restricted free agent.
With Sunny Mehta now appointed as the Devils’ general manager, Cotter’s future with the club remains uncertain. The organization aims to build a Cup‑contending team, especially after a mid‑season slump that cost them a playoff berth. Mehta is expected to pursue aggressive additions, particularly depth scorers.
Conversely, Cotter excels in the traditional fourth‑line duties: consuming ice time to provide rest for top players. He averaged 12 minutes and 12 seconds of ice time this past season, exceeding his previous season’s average by more than a minute and a half.
Late‑season acquisitions, including forwards Maxim Tsyplakov and Nick Bjugstad, joined Cotter on the fourth line and each still has one year remaining on their contracts. Mehta will face several challenging decisions regarding the composition of that line.
Overall Grade
For the 2025‑26 season, Cotter earns a D. While his point production was the lowest of his full‑time NHL career, he fulfilled his fourth‑line responsibilities effectively, sacrificing ice time to enable top‑line players to rest and contribute.
Cotter’s future with the Devils is yet to be seen.
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