The NHL deadline to sign drafted college players to entry-level contracts passed on Aug. 15, and as a result, the New Jersey Devils lost the signing rights to Patrick Moynihan and Case McCarthy. However, this only means that the two players are free to negotiate and sign with any NHL team, and they can still return to the Devils later on.
Moynihan (158th overall) and McCarthy (118th overall) were both selected by the Devils in the 2019 NHL Draft, and each has spent the last four seasons playing college hockey for Providence College and Boston University, respectively. Devils fans might recall hearing Moynihan’s name pop up, as Jack Hughes infamously praised him during a draft interview.
Jack Hughes was given the opportunity at the 2019 draft interview with the Devils if he had any questions.
— Greg Revak, CFP® (@CoachRevak) January 5, 2021
He asked 1 question... what they thought about Moynihan https://t.co/Gl2XVOn4yC pic.twitter.com/U4IckPJxUX
Hughes was wrapping up his interview, and things were going as they normally would until he offered the chance to ask questions of his own. Unprompted, the Devils star asked, “You like Moynihan?” he further commented, “I think he’s gonna be a great role player.” It’s clear that both the team and Hughes were on the same page about the Providence grinder, but things have changed. Like many other prospects who were released on Tuesday, Moynihan’s development stalled big time.
The 22-year-old transferred to Notre Dame following four seasons at Providence. His last season, he scored just seven goals and 10 points in 34 games. For reference, as a freshman in 2019, Moynihan scored 13 goals and 21 points in the same number of games. It’s clear the youngster needs a fresh start heading into the 2023-24 season, but what lies beyond that, in terms of professional hockey, is unclear.
As for McCarthy, he’s never been a point producer and is generally regarded as a shutdown defenseman. The problem, though, is that the Devils have many right-handed defenders, making him expendable. The 22-year-old definitely brings a different profile to the blueline compared to the likes of Seamus Casey and Simon Nemec, but it’s clear either he or the Devils won’t be willing to provide the opportunity to compete for a position in the future at this time. McCarthy will be Boston’s captain for the 2023-24 season.