Coleman thanks Devils fans, greets new opportunity in social-media post

Blake Coleman bid farewell to New Jersey and welcomed a new opportunity with one social-media post Sunday.

The forward thanked the New Jersey Devils and their fans in a statement posted to Twitter after he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for prospect Nolan Foote and a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft or 2021 NHL Draft.

Coleman, who was selected by New Jersey in the third round (No. 75) of the 2011 NHL Draft, played his entire 237-game NHL career with the Devils until he was traded. His wife Jordan is due to give birth in March to a baby girl that will be born in New Jersey.
"My wife and I have felt at home here and have felt all of the love and support over the past few years," Coleman said in a post to Twitter and Instagram. "We will always have fond memories of our time here."
Coleman then posted a message to Lightning fans about his excitement to join a new team and potentially play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this spring.

"My wife and I are so excited to be given the opportunity to join the Tampa Bay Lightning," Coleman's post said. "It is every hockey players dream to compete for the Stanley Cup. I can't wait to join this team and give you guys everything I have!"