Devils News
Devils Top Prospect Expect to Make NHL Debut at Global Series
Grabbing an opportunity due to preseason injuries, New Jersey Devils top prospect Seamus Casey is expected to make his NHL debut in Prague.
Whereas the New Jersey Devils’ top prospect was expected to make his professional debut in the American Hockey League (AHL) this season, he will now make it in the NHL via the Global Series. Seamus Casey is set to take the ice when the Devils face the Buffalo Sabres in Prague on Friday, Oct. 3rd and Saturday, Oct. 4th.
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe hinted that the former University of Michigan defenseman would be on the ice for New Jersey’s season opener on Friday.
“There’s opportunity there,” Sheldon Keefe said on Wednesday in the Czech Republic. “It’s opened the door for others to step up. Casey has really stood out, in terms of being confident and being himself. Even though he’s an inexperienced guy, he showed the ability to help us. We need some help to move the puck and get it out of our zone, so that gets him in the lineup. In the power play he’s shown he can help us too.”
READ: Seamus Casey Makes Devils Roster, Confidence Builds with Coach Keefe’s Assurance
Then, after Jack Hughes nearly spilled the beans on Casey’s NHL debut coming in Prague, the Devils’ head coach confirmed Casey would be in the lineup when the Devils play the Sabres on Friday.
Casey earned a spot on the Devils’ roster with strong play at the blue line that somewhat replicates what New Jersey lost in Luke Hughes due to injury.
The 20-year-old blue liner showed poise, puck-moving, ability to distribute, and strong defensive play utilizing his stick and plus-positioning to make up for his small frame. Casey isn’t afraid to play physical, either.
The Devils had opportunity on the blue line due to a few injuries, and Casey played his way into the lineup. It’s especially impressive given he’s playing on his off side. However, Casey tells New Jersey Hockey Now that left defense isn’t unfamiliar for him.
“I’ve played in the past. You know, defense is defense,” Casey explained. “Obviously, there are challenges that come with it. There are some things that make it a little tougher, but there are also some advantages, such as you’re on your forehand in the middle sometimes. So, you know, there’s challenges and advantages to it. But, I’ve got some experience playing that side, so it’s nothing too crazy.”
Casey is expected to line up with sophomore defenseman, Simon Nemec.
Making the roster is just step one for Casey. However, he has more for himself in his sights.
“It’s exciting. Obviously, I’m happy with how my camps gone so far, it’s been great,” Casey said to NJHN. “But you know, I haven’t done anything yet. So just got to keep attacking each day and try to get better and just keep pushing up the ladder a bit.”
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