Gilles Senn Signing Overseas Shows New Jersey Devils’ Plans

The New Jersey Devils signed both Nico Daws and Akira Schmid this offseason, giving them a very crowded professional goalie group. This past season, they used Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood, Eric Comrie (who eventually went to Winnipeg through waivers), and Aaron Dell in the NHL. They used a rotation between Gilles Senn, Evan Cormier, and Jeremy Brodeur on the “Binghamton” Devils. Out of this entire group, Daws and Schmid have a higher ceiling than anyone outside of Blackwood. In fact, Senn saw the writing on the wall and already signed elsewhere.

Senn signed with HC Davos in Switzerland. It was his home club before he came to North America,

Senn was always a long shot to come back to the Devils anyway. With the additions of Daws and Schmid, Senn would need to wildly prove himself to keep him from ECHL duty. If the Devils thought something of Senn, they’d give him a shot to prove himself and possibly give him a chance to make the NHL roster, but it’s more than likely the Devils sign a veteran backup to Blackwood. They planned on having Corey Crawford here for two years before he abruptly retired.

Senn signing elsewhere shows the Devils know the future of the goaltender position is presently on the roster. Blackwood, Daws, and Schmid are all 24 years old and under. Cormier is a fine option to play in the ECHL who can be called up if something happens to Daws or Schmid. Brodeur can also stay here if he’s willing to go back to the ECHL (he last played there in 2018-19).

It’s sad that things didn’t work out for Senn in North America, but that’s why the Devils take so many goalies in the draft. They still have Cole Brady, who’s starting for Arizona State in the NCAA. Things are looking bright at the position despite the stats of Blackwood this season.