Stefan Noesen's incredible journey that led him back to the New Jersey Devils

During the free agency period, the New Jersey Devils reunited with a couple of familiar faces in Stefan Noesen and Tomas Tatar. When it comes to Tatar, Devils fans already know what to expect out of him. He played a vital role on "The Captain Line" (Nico Hischier, Dawson Mercer, & himself) during the 2022-23 season. However, it's been a while since we last saw Noesen in a Devils uniform. But once the Devils return to the Prudential Center this upcoming season, Noesen will win fans over. Not just because of his play style, which was a big need, but his journey of returning to the Devils.

The Road Back to The NHL

Noesen originally played three seasons with the Devils (2016-2019). His best season with New Jersey was during the 2017-18 year, in which he appeared in 72 games while netting himself 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists). He also suited up in four postseason games during the 2018 playoffs. However, after leaving the Devils in 2019, Noesen saw himself bouncing around the NHL and AHL. Before the 2022-23 season, the most NHL games that Noesen had appeared in was 34 with the San Jose Sharks during the 2019-20 season. It seemed like his chances of getting a sizable role in the NHL were less likely by the season.

However, he revived his career while playing for the Chicago Wolves (the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes). After the 2021-22 season, Noesen had 85 points (48 goals, 37 assists) in 70 games. He also racked up 112 minutes in the penalty box and clearly wasn't afraid to be physical. That same success carried over into the playoffs. He had 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 18 postseason games. The Wolves ended up winning the Calder Cup that year. This led to Noesen signing a two-year deal with the Hurricanes. He was a solid contributor on a playoff-caliber roster. During his media availability, Noesen talked about how he developed his game while being a journeyman.

"I was able to build my game back starting in Pittsburgh, San Jose, Chicago, Carolina, and obviously full circle here [New Jersey]...When I was [first] in Jersey, I mainly played the defensive shutdown role. [I then] developed into more of a power play, offensive role while being able to do that. "

Leadership & Experience

Even though he's only 31 years of age, Noesen is one of the oldest players on the Devils roster. Getting more veteran leadership was a point of emphasis for Tom Fitzgerald this offseason. For a team to become title contenders, experience is imperative. Noesen talked about establishing a strong team culture this upcoming season.

"When they bring in vets, a lot of it is you [the player] respect who they bring in and what they've done in their careers...I've kind of been around these guys. They know who I am, I've been in the organization. I'd say that I carry a bit more weight than a normal vet coming in...I think they've [front office] done a great job of bringing in some good vets, and hopefully [we] can build off this. "

At one point during his media availability, Noesen talked about his former teammate Paul Stastny. He mentioned how Stastny was more "reserved" and a "lead by example" type of player. Because he wanted to get a feel for everybody in the locker room. Noesen also spoke fondly of Brett Pesce (former Hurricanes teammate) and Brenden Dillon (former Sharks teammate). He said both can assert themselves from an aggression standpoint and protect their teammates on the rink.

Family Guy

While this might seem minuscule, another big thing that has happened with Noesen was him marrying his girlfriend, Alyson, and having two kids. Noesen mentioned Dillon and Pesce once again and discussed how having a family can help bring out the best in a person. Those sorts of relationships can help develop good traits and habits.

"They're just the best human beings in the world. Dillon comes from a great family, he's got his little girl and Emma's [Dillon's wife] an amazing human being. Same with Brett and Amy [Pesce's wife]. They're good humans coming into a great organization, in a great locker room, where the vets can see that. "

During his first tenure with New Jersey, Noesen and his wife would explore the hustle and bustle of New York City. He said that was one of the benefits of playing for the Devils a few years ago. But since he now has a growing family, things are put into a different perspective.

"Two kids have been a lot. That in itself has been a journey...She [My wife] and I just had two dogs and nothing else, no responsibilities [at the time]. We could leave the pups alone and do our thing in New York City...now this is a whole different ball game. Now we're in "nanny mode." "

Expectations

"I've never been the skinniest human being in the world. I've never been the fattest human being in the world. I always come in great shape. I work my balls off."

Fans will adore Noesen much more compared to the first go around. Ever since being given a decent-sized role on the Hurricanes, he has made the most of his chances. He also seems to elevate his game and physicality come playoff time and the Devils should be familiar with that, especially Erik Haula. In all seriousness, he's an electrifying player that adds decent scoring, size, and experience. He and Paul Cotter are replacing the productivity of Michael McLeod and Miles Wood. Noesen's growth as a player has been an incredible thing to witness. Signing him to a three-year deal was an excellent investment for Fitzgerald.