5 NCAA Free Agents New Jersey Devils Should Target Now
By Nick Natale
Cooper Black - G - Dartmouth, NCAA
Who wouldn't love another goalie in the mix? The Devils organization has struggled mightily to find a long-term franchise goalie since the decline of Cory Schneider. Until one becomes available, the best strategy is to continue throwing things against the wall and see what sticks. Black could be one that sticks. He is a behemoth of a man, standing at 6-foot-9, something Fitzgerald would covet. In his first season at Dartmouth last year, he was a bit underwhelming but has put together a solid 2023-24 season thus far. He boasts a 13-7-8 record, with a 2.52 GAA and a 0.911 SV%.
As we mentioned, the Devils have yet to find anyone capable of taking the net and running with it. Nico Daws and Akira Schmid have shown flashes but are far from sure things. The position will be addressed this summer, but with talks of Jacob Markstrom, the Devils will still be in the market for a long-term option. Schmid reportedly may want out, meaning Black would have the chance to compete with Daws, as well as Isaac Poulter.
"Black is a 6-foot-9 goalie, so his lower half is understandably sluggish getting around the net, but when you have a 6-foot-9 goalie who has some ability it’s still very intriguing. He reads the play quite well and is efficient moving around the net."
- Corey Pronman (The Athletic)