The New Jersey Devils’ newest defenseman has arrived.
Brian Dumoulin was on the ice at Prudential Center Friday morning for the team’s optional morning skate ahead of their game against the Winnipeg Jets. He joined Jake Allen, Seamus Casey, Brenden Dillon, Johnathan Kovacevic, Simon Nemec, Jesper Bratt, Curtis Lazar, Kurtis MacDermid, Dawson Mercer, and Stefan Noesen.
The Devils acquired the 33-year-old Thursday afternoon from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for unsigned draft choice Herman Traff and a 2025 conditional second-round draft pick (previously acquired, conditions are the selection will be the earlier of Edmonton or Winnipeg’s second-round pick).
Anaheim is retaining 50% of Dumoulin’s contract for the remainder of the season ($1,575,000 on a $3,150,000 cap hit).
It was a quick turnaround for Dumoulin, who played in Vancouver on Wednesday night with the Ducks. The defenseman scored his second goal of the season in Anaheim’s 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
“It has been, obviously, a lot of change, but it is good to get here,” Dumoulin said to NJD.TV. “Obviously, I want to help this group. I am excited to be here. I haven’t played with too many of these guys, but I have played against this team a lot. I know how fast they are. They are a hard team to play against. I look forward to joining this group.”
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed Dumoulin will be in the lineup and play alongside Johnathan Kovacevic.
As far as what fans can expect from the veteran, Dumoulin described his game as consistent.
“I like to be reliable and give the coaches and my teammates kind of the same every night, not have too many swings of ups and downs,” he continued. “I think, for me, it is based on a more defensive game with gaps, breakouts, and getting out of the zone, clean. Make tape-to-tape passes, and just exit the zone, and give to the forwards, where they can try to create an odd-man rush. I think simplicity and just defensive-minded.”
Puck drop between the Devils and Jets at 7:00 p.m. Fans can watch on MSGSN or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.
Make sure you bookmark THN’s New Jersey Devils site for THN’s latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes
EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With MSG Networks Host & Analyst Rachel Herzog
Hischier’s Manager Patrick Fischer: ‘He’s Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied‘
#Devils #Newest #Defenseman #Arrives #Play #Jets
