By Nathan Erb
The New Jersey Devils were sure they had their goalie tandem of the present and future with Laurent Brossoit and Ilya Samsonov. That plan changed this summer when star veteran goaltender and cup winner Calvin Pickard became available on waivers from Montreal.
"It was one hundred percent our plan to ride Ilya and Laurent this year and keep them here long term. But when Pickard became available, that's a goalie with a winning pedigree that you don't pass up," said GM Erb.
The Devils knew they couldn't carry three goaltenders, and spent much of the summer trying to move Samsonov. With Pickard the clear starter, Brossoit won the backup job in training camp.
Samsonov was acquired last year from Toronto in exchange for prospect Marco Kasper. Kasper is quickly developing nicely as a two way forward with their farm system.
Along with Samsonov, the Devils sent 23 year old forward Martin Kaut to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kaut is a former 1st round pick who struggled last season, and was again stuck on the 3rd line.
Coming to New Jersey is playmaking winger Warren Foegele. The 25 year old forward was a former 3rd round pick who paid his dues for years with Arizona and Philly's farm system. Foegele finally got his shot and had a breakout season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, scoring 39 points in 79 games.
Devils management believes there's even more offensive upside. Foegele will meet the team in Nashville this weekend and make his debut. He's expected to play on the right side with Dylan Holloway at center and Rudolfs Balcers on the left side.
8/31/2023 - 269 words
