A Winning Destination | FEATURE

New Jersey is the place to be.

Whether a player is traded to the Devils, or decides out of Free Agency this is where they want to be, the Devils have become a destination.

Defenseman Colin Miller was traded to the Devils on July 1 and Tomas Nosek chose the team out of Free Agency. What excites them both about being in New Jersey is the same.

They want to win.

"We thought of all the options and we think what the best for the kids, the number one thing, Nosek said, of his decision to sign with New Jersey as a Free Agent, "And for sure I look for a good team and I think New Jersey, when I got that offer, they were pretty much on top of the list right away. I'm really happy they called to make this happen."

"I think I was surprised to be moved, but when (you) kind of gets past (that), and you realize you're going to such a great opportunity with New Jersey, you're excited." Miller shared of his trade.

Miller, who will wear No. 24 with the Devils, spent last season with the Dallas Stars, after three straight seasons in Buffalo. Last season, with the way the Devils played, they put the league on notice, particularly defenseman, as Miller suggests.

"You think about games that you played against them, such a speed team, able to really create a lot of opportunities offensive, that was something I think in playing them in the past you were always a little nervous. Being a defenseman myself, you're well aware of those skilled forwards that they have."

For Nosek, New Jersey was atop his list of potential teams to join after it became clear Boston was not going to offer him a contract and send him to Free Agency. And Patrik Elias helped seal the deal.

"When I was deciding, I got a call from Patrik," Nosek shared, "it made it a positive impact on my decision. He said how great New Jersey is and I know he's one of the best players from Czech who ever played in the NHL. That was one of the things too, about why I decided for New Jersey."

It's still too early to tell what role either player will take on once the season opens, but both Nosek and Miller add to the extensive depth built up on the NHL roster. And versatility will be key.

"I want to help any way I can," Nosek said, "If it's a face-off, it's a face-off, it's the PK, it's the PK, if it's a defensive role to shut down the best line on the opposing team, I can do that as well and a little bit of offense for sure. I think I can produce some points as well, so that's what I want to do. I want to help the team to win."

Nosek brings 52 games of playoff experience and has gone to the Stanley Cup Final once in his career with the 2018 Vegas Golden Knights. Since the 2017-18 season, Nosek has been on a playoff team every year. Some stints in the post-season have been shorter than others, but the experience and education remain, which is what he will impart should it be asked of him.

"When you get older you focus more on the mental preparation and trust your instinct and trust your gut, don't change anything just because it's playoffs. I can bring this in (to the locker room) and help the young guys a little bit with that."

Although there will come a point where the Devils 'young core' no longer needs the monicker of 'young' given all their experience together, there's always room for veteran voices to make a difference. Miller, 30, will join Brendan Smith (34) and Dougie Hamilton (30) as the only defensemen on the Devils roster in their 30's. With a plethora of up-and-coming defensive talent and the opportunity for them to push for a spot on the NHL roster, Miller is comfortable in his role both as a player and as a leader. He's done it before.

"I think it comes quick to become an older guy in the league," Miller smirked, "I think I had a similar kind of role when I was in Buffalo. We had a younger team and it's always fun mixing in with those guys."

No matter how both players ended up in New Jersey the overwhelming sentiment is that not only are they excited to be a part of this group, but they're looking forward to all this group's possibilities and how they can contribute to the success.

"It's a great team," Nosek said, "I'm excited to join the group. At my age when you get older, you think all about winning, I want to win. That's why I'm here."