Paul Cotter has become a fan favorite in early days with the Devils

One of the players contributing to the New Jersey Devils’ early success this season is one of the team’s younger but newer faces.

Paul Cotter was acquired by the Devils this past June in the trade that sent Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid to the Vegas Golden Knights. While Cotter has become an everyday NHLer over the past few seasons, he is making the most of his new opportunity in an elevated role in the Garden State.

Through nine games, the 24-year-old has scored five goals and six points, sitting tied with Nico Hischier for the team lead in goals in the early going.

At 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds, Cotter isn’t afraid to use the body. His physical play makes him someone Devils fans can point out and admire, even though the Canton, Michigan native has only played a handful of games with his new team.

With Cotter’s early surge, the Devils have jumped to a 5-3-1 record. Their 11 points temporarily have them tied with the New York Rangers for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division, despite New Jersey missing Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes so far due to offseason injuries.

On Thursday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk look at what the young center can mean to the Devils.

Frank Seravalli: Already becoming a fan favorite and a ball of energy for the New Jersey Devils. Cotter’s been fantastic. I think the big question was, “Will they regret giving up on Alexander Holtz so soon?” Maybe, but Cotter is on such a reasonable contract at $775,000 for this year and next, and the fact that he’s still only 24. Tell me why Paul Cotter can’t be part of the New Jersey Devils core for a long time to come.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…