Devils Sign Defenseman to Entry-Level Contract

NEWARK, N.J. -- On Monday morning, New Jersey Devils President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald announced the team signed 20-year-old defenseman Seamus Casey to a three-year entry-level contract.

Casey was selected by New Jersey in the 2022 NHL Draft in the second round, 46th overall.

He recently concluded his second season at the University of Michigan. Through 39 games with the Wolverines, he tallied 45 points (seven goals, 38 assists). Per the team's press release , he led all Michigan defensemen in scoring, and his 45 points ranked fifth on the team.

In Feb. 2024, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler published a story about the Devils' prospect pool and said this about the 5-foot-10, 180-pound blueliner.

"When he's on, there's an unmistakable flow to his game where the puck just moves through him to its next destination within the pace of play, whether that's a heady outlet out of a D-to-D pass or a quick carry into a cross-ice pass to allow his teammates to get open for him," Wheeler wrote. "Inside the offensive zone, he can make things happen with his blend of mobility and handling (he walks the line effortlessly, but he also handles the puck like a forward one-on-one). He stops and cuts back on a dime to easily lose tracking forwards. He skates so well (though better on his edges than in a straight race). Inside the defensive zone, he thrives, escaping past pressure.

"He looks effortless out there at times, weaving in and out of coverage and mixing in delays and fakes with the puck to create space for himself or take it from others. He's a fabulous puck transporter through neutral ice and a tactile player inside the offensive zone, where his footwork shines through," Wheeler continued. "He's undersized, but his feet and stick help compensate, and he has made his fair share of stops in college. He does a good job gaining inside positioning in nose-to-nose battles for pucks defensively, and while he'll lose some physical engagements, he has shown he'll engage willingly (he's never going to be the strongest player out there, though he is a good athlete). He can also comfortably play his off-side (the left side), providing added versatility. I expect him to get signed out of college, and if things break right, he's got top-six, PP2 potential with the right coach/belief (though Hughes and Nemec will make his climb with the Devils harder than it would be in most other places)." (from 'New Jersey Devils are No. 22 in 2024 NHL prospect pool rankings,' The Athletic , 02/09/24).