3 Devils Training Camp Battles We’re Watching; Who Has the Edge?

The first round of roster cuts were small, but the New Jersey Devils have already begun to identify who is going to be on their roster. With Prague quickly approaching, the Devils have a handful of decisions on their plate to make sooner-than-later. And because the team is traveling so far, they’ve been granted — as have the Buffalo Sabres — three additional roster spots to bring with them to Czechia. It’s made for an intense training camp, and there have certainly been battles for roster spots.

READ: Devils Make First Round of Training Camp Cuts

Whether it be players trying to make the final 26-man roster, or perhaps a player who is a lock but looking to increase their role, here’s what we’re seeing one week into training camp and a couple of games into preseason.

Paul Cotter vs. the Top-9

No, Paul Cotter won’t steal a job from the likes of Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier. However, Cotter is certainly a candidate to move up through the lineup.

Cotter balled out on Monday in the first game of preseason action. The 24-year-old forward didn’t collect any points, but Cotter with the help of Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian set the tone early and were far and away the best trio of forwards at 5-on-5.

He wasn’t nearly as good on Tuesday in Montreal, however, was deployed in what can only be described as the Utica Comets. And he was still one of the Devils’ most effective players on the ice.

The thing with Cotter is that general manager Tom Fitzgerald acquired him knowing there was more to him than a bottom-6 checking forward. The former Vegas Golden Knights forward is skilled with the puck on his stick, and his teammates and coaches have taken notice.

GO DEEPER: Devils Paul Cotter Impressing, More than Just ‘Meat & Potatoes’

On Sunday, Cotter accrued an elite 65.77 xGF%, while creating seven scoring chances for as opposed to allowing four.

Of course, it’s just the preseason and no one is writing Cotter’s name with ink higher in the lineup. However, should he continue to impress Sheldon Keefe the way he has, and say — Timo Meier or Tomas Tatar fall out of favor — there’s little doubt Cotter would be the first to move his way up in the lineup.

Nick DeSimone vs. Johnathan Kovacevic vs. Santeri Hatakka

The battle for Luke Hughes‘ spot in the lineup is on. There remains the distinct possibility that all three of these players are named to the opening night roster, which is due to the injuries the Devils are already dealing with. However, Nick DeSimone is the only defenseman with a one-way contract.

We know Santeri Hatakka is feeling confident in his abilities. In fact, he didn’t hesitate to declare himself an everyday NHLer.

READ: Santeri Hatakka Wants Full-Time NHL Role With Devils

However, it appears that of the three defensemen, Johnathan Kovacevic is the most well-rounded.

Currently, Kovacevic is continually paired with veteran defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler. He’s proven — thus far — to be a big, strong, quality NHL skater who has a sneaky offensive touch. He carries the puck well in transition and has been reliable in the defensive end, forcing the opposition to the perimeter in the offensive zone. Furthermore, he’s using his size to his advantage and winning puck battles, helping clear the puck from danger.

Hatakka isn’t far behind Kovacevic. He’s not as good a skater, nor as good with the puck, but he’s primarily been paired with Simon Nemec who is a certainly a lineup lock. Plus, Hatakka remains reliable in the defensive zone and that’s all he really needs to be with Nemec playing next to him.

Kevin Labanc vs. Devils Health

In speaking with both Keefe and Fitzgerald, the Devils’ head coach and GM both believe Kevin Labanc is still a quality NHL player.

READ: Timo Meier Rooting for Kevin Labanc to Sign with New Jersey Devils

The question is, how does he fit in? Perhaps, Fitzgerald could sign Labanc to a two-way contract and sneak him through waivers to play in Utica until he’s needed. After the Devils inked Dawson Mercer to a three-year contract, there’s not much meat left on the table.

Or, could the Devils’ injuries play a factor in whether Labanc sticks around or not? The Devils have not had Erik Haula on the ice since the opening of training camp. Keefe explained Haula’s beginning to get back into some workouts at the rink, but it sounds as though he hasn’t even hit the ice yet.

Therefore, it seems like there is a chance that Haula might not make it to Prague. The Devils leave in four days.

Could that force Fitzgerald to give Labanc a contract? After all, the Devils have the depth on defense. Yet, their 13th forward appears to be Kurtis MacDermid right now.

Labanc stood out in a positive way in the Devils’ 3-0 loss to the Canadiens on Tuesday. One would believe he’d look even better had he played with a group of NHLers as opposed to the B-squad Keefe deployed Tuesday night.

With the ability to carry three extra players to Prague, do the Devils hand Labanc a contract? After all, the Devils’ forward depth is arguably lacking.

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