Devil striker Paul Cotter’s gunfighting ability is just a hint of real potential – Hockey writer – New Jersey Devils

On June 29, 2024, the New Jersey Devils acquired Paul Cotter from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Akira Schmid and Alexander Holtz. Although the move initially saw some different opinions on social media, Kurt and the Devils had a fairly successful season one. He scored a career-high 16 goals – most of which were very flashy – and broke the team’s single-season hit record with a record of 245.

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Additionally, his maximum skating speed of 23.44 miles per hour (MPH) puts him the second fastest speed on the team, only behind Luke Hughes (23.58 mph – by NHL Edge). While he plays mainly the six bottom characters, he is still very valuable, but never more valuable than when the gunfight rolls.

Kurt’s gun battle succeeds

Cote shot impressively in the shootout (3/4) of the season, which gave him the third highest conversion rate of 30 players by more than 3 times. It’s not fluorine either, as he did throughout the season, and he showed off some of the best hands in the league to keep elite speed. From the start of the preseason, he seemed to score at a much higher pace than anyone else. This translates into games and gunfights.

Paul Cotter was so dirty in the gunfight. pic.twitter.com/augfohs3yx

– NHL (@NHL) January 15, 2025

“I’ve been proud since I was a kid and that’s what I’m proud of,” Cotter said in the exit interview. “I’m lucky, in practice, I did some and Kiefer threw me there early in the first game (I scored). Yes, one third, one third this year, I’ll take it.”

Famously, goalkeeper and teammate Logan Thompson paused and immediately flashed “4-3” with Cotter when he was with the Golden Knights. Of course #43 is Kurt’s number, which means he should be the next shooter. Cote jumped on the hockey and scored to win the game.

The potential potential of Cotter

At the end of his season, head coach Sheldon Keefe was asked if he could name a player he was surprised with with tools. He immediately said: “(Paul) Cotter is someone I’ve learned a lot. For me, he has a lot of great tools as a player because he continues to be comfortable in the league and leverages the skills and tools he has, and I think he’s a person who can bring a lot of people.”

With every season passed, the 25-year-old seems to be in the foundation of his game. Apart from his career-high goal, he was net positive on the opponent for the first time, winning a 52.6% draw.

His 79 games and an average ice time of 13:05 are also the highest in his career. On rare occasions, when Keefe will scratch Cotter healthy, he will respond with a goal or a big game. The dynamics between them are very productive and an important reason why the Cotter looks so comfortable. But with his tool set, there is more room for improvement.

“I want to show my abilities, and I think I’m taking steps,” Cotter said. “(I want) show the devil ‘Hey, that’s why you guys trade for me.’ I’ll get there eventually.”