Paul Cotter’s Impact on Breaking Devils Franchise Record
During last night’s game against the Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils forward Paul Cotter set a new franchise record for most hits in a single season, surpassing the previous mark of 225 set by Blake Coleman in the 2018-19 season. Cotter, in his first season with the Devils, has delivered an impressive 232 hits, sending an early yet strong message about his value to the team. This achievement is not just significant for Cotter but also marks a pivotal moment for the franchise. As he continues to progress with the Devils, Cotter’s calculated approach on ice will help him solidify his role as a crucial contributor to the team’s success.
On June 29th, 2024, the Devils made a significant trade, sending forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Cotter and a 2025 third-round pick. Many fans were disappointed with this trade, as Holtz and Schmid were two promising young players, particularly Schmid, who displayed solid goaltending during the 2022-23 playoff season. Coming off three seasons with Vegas, Cotter had appeared in 138 games, scoring only 22 goals and 23 assists. This limited offensive production raised concerns among fans about how well he would perform in New Jersey, especially given the expectation for a more immediate impact from a player acquired in such a trade.
Despite the doubts, general manager Tom Fitzgerald aimed to build a team that emphasized physicality, and he believed Cotter was a player who could effectively fill that role. Cotter has since lived up to that expectation, consistently making an impact on the scoresheet and injecting energy into the team’s lineup. Continuing to show improvement, Cotter has scored 16 goals in the last 74 games he’s played with the Devils during the 2024-25 season. He has demonstrated no fear in attacking opponents, using his physicality to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Cotter recorded one hit against the Wild yesterday, enabling him to break the Devils’ franchise record for most hits in a single season. This marks the first time the record has been broken since the 2018-19 season, highlighting Cotter’s determination to prove himself as a key player for the Devils. With only seven games remaining in the regular season, Cotter has the chance to surpass his own hit record of 233, set during the 2023-24 season with Vegas, and exceed his current total of 232 hits. Surpassing the record has reflected Cotter’s identity as a player who thrives on physicality and growth.
Not only does this benchmark solidify Cotter’s place as a standout contributor, but it is also highly impactful for the franchise. Breaking the record signals a shift in the team’s identity, with Cotter playing a crucial role in shaping the Devils’ physical and competitive mindset. His achievement sets a new standard for future players and reflects the team’s commitment to building a roster that can compete both physically and skillfully. As the regular season nears its end, this key moment underscores the Devils’ evolving identity and sets the stage for their continued success.
