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Insight on Devils' newly signed prospect Seamus Casey

New Jersey Devils, Featured, Ice Hockey, Professional

May 8, 2024

Seamus Casey, a young defenseman drafted 46th overall in the second round by the New Jersey Devils, has had many eyes on him since the day he was selected. Where was he before the draft, though? And what impact did he make on his team to make the Devils interested?

Table of Contents

Before The Draft

Before the 5'10", 180 lb., 20-year-old was drafted to the Devils, he played at the University of Michigan with many other talented players and future NHLers like Adam Fantilli, Luke Hughes, and Rutger Mcgroatry. Around the time of the 2022 NHL Draft, Casey was only a freshman, so he opted to stay at Michigan until his sophomore year and then decide whether to sign an entry-level contract. In that first year, he demonstrated his talent on the ice, recording 29 points in 37 games with eight goals and 21 assists, ranking second in defensemen scoring behind Luke Hughes. This was an impressive showing for a defenseman playing their first year at the collegiate level. He was named to the Big Ten freshman team and the Big Ten All-Tournament team.

Casey played in the 2022 U18 World Championship, where he would win a silver medal while recording a point in every one of the six games he played.

During Casey's sophomore year at Michigan, he showed his worth to the team and the Devils by recording 45 points, seven goals, and 38 assists in 39 games. Casey led the team's defenseman in goals and ranked fifth in points.

Casey's hard work would pay off, as he would be named to the All-Big Ten First team and become a finalist for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. The talented young player's achievements wouldn't stop there, as he would be named to the Big Ten All-Tournaments and the NCAA All-Regional teams.

Casey also excelled nationally, representing the USA in the 2023 and 2024 World Junior Championships, winning the silver medal in 2023 and the gold medal in 2024.

What Does His Future With The Devils Look Like

Devils' General Manager Tom Fitzgerald recently signed Casey to a three-year entry-level contract. There is speculation about whether Casey will make the big club out of training camp or start the season with New Jersey's AHL team, the Utica Comets, to be developed, similar to how Simon Nemec was treated. If Casey is sent to play for the Comets, it should help him transition and adjust to playing against a higher level of competition. Casey is known for his skillful footwork and how he transfers the puck to his linemates, as his passing numbers show that skill.

Many have voiced their opinions on whether Casey will go to play for the Devils at the start of the 2024-2025 season. Some feel that the Devils are rushing him and that transitioning from college to the NHL may be difficult. Others believe that since many of New Jersey's problems lie in defense, starting with the Devils now may help strengthen their defense.

The better idea for Casey is most likely to spend a few years in the AHL with the Comets because rushing him into such a competitive level of hockey may cause him to have trouble performing to his highest extent. Spending some time in the AHL will help Casey evolve, so once he is called up to New Jersey, the transition into the NHL will be easier and more successful for the team.