Dec 14, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Boston Bruins forward Marc McLaughlin (26) skates against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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Marc McLaughlin Joins Devils Amid Cotter Suspension Concerns

With Paul Cotter facing a suspension, the Devils recall Marc McLaughlin to add depth ahead of the season's final games.`

Marc McLaughlin is getting another shot at the NHL as the New Jersey Devils have called him up from the AHL’s Utica Comets. With the regular season winding down and the Devils gearing up for the playoffs, the timing of the move is interesting, but not surprising. It comes as Paul Cotter faces a possible suspension for an illegal check to the head of Islanders’ defensema,n Adam Pelech. With Cotter potentially out, the Devils are preparing themselves by bringing in extra forward depth for their final two games.

McLaughlin hasn’t played a ton in the NHL, but he’s no stranger to the league. He appeared in 12 games earlier this season and has played in 26 NHL games in total, though none with New Jersey. The Devils picked him up from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline, sending defenseman Daniil Misyul the other way. While McLaughlin hasn’t found the stat sheet in a big way, he’s scored six goals in his NHL career and is still waiting on his first assist, he brings a defensive presence that the Devils might value during these final regular-season games and possibly into the postseason.

#NYR week ahead includes final 2 games before miserable season is over — along with Matthew Robertson #NHL debut and Artemi Panarin chasing 40 goals/90 points

It's all here ⤵️https://t.co/RTCEI9CbGE
— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) April 14, 2025

Standing at 6 feet and weighing in at 200 pounds, McLaughlin plays a responsible two-way game, though his offensive stats in the AHL are modest. Since joining Utica, he’s tallied five assists in 14 games. Earlier in the season with the Providence Bruins, he posted 14 points in 34 games. Overall, he’s not the kind of player who’s going to light up the scoresheet, but he’s reliable, works hard, and brings good structure to the bottom of the lineup.

With the Devils locked into third place in the Metropolitan Division and a first-round matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes already set, they have nothing to lose or gain in terms of playoff seeding. That means these last two games could be a time for rest, rotation, and evaluation, exactly the kind of environment where someone like McLaughlin can prove his value. Whether it’s due to Cotter’s absence or simply a chance to try out different lineups, McLaughlin may get the opportunity to suit up against his former team, the Bruins, or the Red Wings.

As for the future, McLaughlin’s contract is up at the end of the season. Since he’s played under 80 NHL games but already has three pro seasons under his belt, he’ll become a Group VI unrestricted free agent. However, if the Devils like what they see, it wouldn’t be surprising if they consider bringing him back as a depth option for next season.

Image Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!