When the New Jersey Devils signed Tomas Tatar in the offseason, they brought back a veteran who had previously spent two years with the team, a winger who could play up and down the lineup. Tatar was thrilled to return to New Jersey and step into whatever role he was needed in. In the first six weeks of the season, his role morphed into stabilizing a struggling fourth line following the injuries of Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian.
Coming into the 2024-25 season, Tatar was ready to bounce back from a down year split between Colorado and Seattle. He started the season playing up in the lineup with Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer. He was moved down in order for Ondrej Palat to move up. Tatar’s play didn’t necessarily warrant the move, but it had to be done to get more out of Palat. It’s not the role the Devils expected to use Tatar in, but he was prepared to make the most of it.
With Bastian and Lazar out, the fourth line has been what it is. Tatar has played with Kurtis MacDermid and Justin Dowling. On November 21, he was paired with Shane Bowers and Dowling. On November 23, he played with Paul Cotter and Dowling.
With just eight points in 23 games, Tatar isn’t lighting up the scoresheet, but his offensive production is largely affected by his linemates and opportunities. Tatar is averaging just 11:08 in ice time per game this season. But when he’s on the ice, he does his best to create opportunities and give his team the best chance to get momentum going.
Although Tatar does not make the most noise, his underlying stats show that he’s working hard. According to Natural Stat Trick, Tatar has a 53.45 CF% this season, showing puck possession has been positive. He’s second on the Devils behind Jack Hughes in this category. His goals-for percentage is third among Devils forwards at 58.82 GF%.
On Saturday, Tatar had a two-point night, scoring a power play goal and assisting on Brenden Dillon’s first goal of the season. With his lack of scoring chances at even strength on the fourth line, his role on the second power-play unit is where he can see more of those moments.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe knows that Tatar is all about the team. Keefe recently told Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News “ has embraced what we have given him and hasn't changed his demeanor or his attitude every day.” He puts the team first and is ready to do whatever is necessary to contribute. Keefe noted that Tatar feels like he has more to offer. Throughout the season, there will be opportunities for him to show it.
Tatar is making an impact in the role he’s in. When Lazar and Bastian return and/or the Devils add a fourth liner, Tatar’s production should see a bump. In the meantime, he’s holding his own and showing why bringing him back to Jersey was the right move.