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Cal Foote, Bernier's Retirement, and the Preseason Schedule Preview |
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Good morning Devils fans. First, thanks so much for all the well wishes. My wife and I had our baby girl, Daphne. Looking forward to bringing her to Prudential for a game when she is ready. A future Devils fan in the making!
While I was on a bit of a hiatus, a few events happened in the Devils camp. Defenseman Cal Foote, brother of Nolan Foote, signed a 1 year, 2-way contract for $800K. Previous to being in the Devils organization, he was drafted 14th overall by Tampa Bay in 2017. Following a strong start in the WHL for the Kelowna Rockets, he began development in the Lightning’s AHL affiliate Syracuse Crunch. Soon, he split time between the farm league and top squad, carving a niche for himself as a bottom line defender with limited but respectable numbers. Last season, he was sent to the Nashville Predators along with picks in exchange for Tanner Jeannot. So far, his NHL experience has tallied up 141 games with a record of 5G-14A-19P with a +21.
On paper, this signing is most likely to acquire depth in the Utica system. He can play and hold his own in the NHL but the bulk of his time on ice has been in the AHL. However, looking at the depth chart, one would have to think that this would be a tough call, giving him a slot over Colin Miller or Simon Nemec. What I do think this move symbolizes is that a defenseman in the minor league system, like Nemec, might end up making the move to the big league and Utica may need more help on the blueline. Either way, I think this is a good move for the team for depth reasoning as of now.
Meanwhile, goaltender Jonathan Bernier officially retired from the NHL on August 21st. Previous to this, he played extremely limited time for the Devils with hip injury issues plaguing the last few years of his career. Earlier this summer, I wrote up a breakdown of his career and what the next step would be. I advocated for the Devils letting him walk and maybe another team desperate for goalie depth taking a swing at him while Bernier recovered and rehabbed. I also acknowledged that he would be most likely better off retiring and maybe moving into a role like a goaltending coach or office position within an NHL organization. Best wishes to Jonathan Bernier in his retirement. I hope he finds a solid destination for his next step in his hockey journey.
As we wrap up, I wanted to take a look and preview the Devils’ preseason schedule this season. September will see New Jersey kick off their preseason with split squad exhibitions at Montreal and at home vs. Philadelphia on 9/25. Both opposing teams will be looking to improve form based on their struggles last year. This will be a great opportunity for all the prospects to show off their abilities. Specifically, while the likes of Simon Nemec, Luke Hughes, Alexander Holtz, and Nolan Foote should get their chance for the Devils, Montreal's and Philly’s key youth players will try to relish this as well. Some of Montreal’s big young names include Juraj Slafkovsky (currently on IR) and recent defensive draftee David Reinbacher. Across the Delaware, the Flyers may show off Bobby Brink and Oliver Bonk. Current Philly prospect Matvie Michkov from the KHL has yet to sign an ELC while playing abroad in Russia.
Following the exhibitions, the Devils will begin full squad preseason games on 9/28 against the Rangers at the Garden. The Blueshirts will definitely like the chance to put some hurt on the Devils following their first round playoff exit vs. the Devils, leading to head coach Gerard Gallant’s removal from the bench. The remaining preseason games will see the Devils at Philly on 9/30, home games against the Islanders and Rangers on 10/2 and 10/4, and the final preseason game against Islanders 10/4 at UBS. The regular season will officially kick off with back-to-back home games against Detroit and Arizona, starting 10/12.
What role do you want Cal Foote to play this season? Where will Bernier end up? Are you going to catch the preseason games?
Leave your thoughts and comments below. Raise Hell,
-Josh Biringer
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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