Vegas Golden Knights fans will remember the Paul Cotter trade that took place with the New Jersey Devils. Heck, that's how the Golden Knights got Akira Schmid and Alexander Holtz. Without that deal happening, the goaltending room would've been a mess for the past month.
However, the deal went down as part of a changing summer, when Vegas lost Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson, among other prominent names. Still, the trade was deemed a relative win upon first glance. You get two younger players in the deal and trade a fourth-line player? Sign me up!
However, life had other plans. Holtz scored only four goals and eight assists last season and he hasn't registered a point in 2025-26. As for Schmid? He's been an enigma, to say the least.
While he has a GAA of 2.51 (tied with Connor Hellebuyck for 12th in the NHL) entering Friday, he also has a save percentage of .896. Those stats are more of a testament to the improving defense and sound structure from Bruce Cassidy.
But let's look at the former Golden Knight for a second. How has the hard-hitting Cotter done in his new home? Has he provided the Devils with his traditional physical style of breaking bones and knocking out teeth?
Evaluating Paul Cotter's time with the New Jersey Devils since being traded from the Vegas Golden Knights
Last season was arguably Cotter's best campaign during his five-year NHL career. He scored 16 goals and six assists, making him one of the most important lower-line players for New Jersey. Of course, that's not all he brought to the Garden State.
The native of Canton, Michigan, also brought his patented hard-hitting style to the Devils, registering 245 hits in 2024-25. He also improved his faceoffs, winning 52.6% last season. In fact, he's done even better in 2025-26, winning 55% of his faceoffs. He never won more than 50% of his faceoffs during his Golden Knights' three-year tenure.
Currently, the center has two goals and four assists in 27 games played. Cotter also has 75 hits, continuing that hard-hitting trend. He's projected to score six goals and 12 assists, basically picking up where he left off while in Vegas.
Has Cotter been better in New Jersey or Vegas?
Honestly, it's tough to say. Cotter was better at setting up scoring opportunities in Las Vegas. The only time he broke double-digits in the assists (18) and primary assists (12) categories was in 2023-24.
However, a deeper dive reveals that Cotter's actually benefiting from a change in scenery. Last season, he was actually decent in High Danger chances, posting a High Danger xGoals of 5.32. On top of that, the center posted a Corsi of 52% and a Fenwick of 50%. His shooting has improved since leaving the Golden Knights, giving the Devils some lower-line firepower. Mind you, all three stats were career-highs for him.
Regardless, Cotter hasn't done too shabby in his new abode. He's delivering his trademark teeth-removing hits and is even adding some offense. The Golden Knights are familiar with his game and will see plenty of that on Friday. Better get a dental plan!