Stefan Noesen will feast in the AHL and get back up to NHL speed

Stefan Noesen's reunion with the New Jersey Devils has been a rollercoaster. After signing a three-year deal during the 2024 offseason, Noesen had his best season in the NHL. He tallied 22 goals, 19 assists, and 41 points. He was also a catalyst on the power play and a great veteran, net-front presence.

However, the next season was the complete opposite. Noesen dealt with a nagging knee injury, which required season-ending surgery in January. He only appeared in 38 games and registered seven points. This is a contract year for Noesen, and unfortunately, he seems to have fallen out of favor with Sheldon Keefe. He has been in and out of the lineup and was once again loaned to the Utica Comets in the AHL. While the circumstance is not ideal, there's still some optimism for Noesen and his future.

He's been in the situation before

Noesen signed with the Chicago Wolves (AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes) before the 2021-22 season. That experience helped rejuvenate his career. He led the AHL in goals with 48 and tallied 85 points. He also wasn't afraid to stand up for his teammates, spending 112 minutes in the penalty box. The Wolves won the Calder Cup, and Noesen was rewarded with a two-year, $1.525 million deal from the Hurricanes.

This current assignment should give him deja vu and a brand new opportunity to prove himself as a capable player. Plus, he gets extra time to nurse his knee injury from last season. Having a shorter training camp and preseason doesn't benefit somebody like Noesen in his current situation. Being a healthy scratch for the Devils won't help him get back up to speed. He already picked up a pretty assist on Ben Steeves' goal against the Rochester Americans on Wednesday.

He will be given another chance

Noesen's NHL career is far from over. He is still a serviceable veteran player and can make an impact. Whether that's with the Devils or a different team, only time will tell. He will be given another chance at some point, and this season is far from over. Let's face it: the Devils will continue to face injuries and will need some assistance. Not only that, but the roster will expand after the trade deadline, and he will be added. Just as long as the Devils are compliant with the salary cap. Because Noesen's salary cap hit is $2.75 million, it won't be the most tedious task.

While unlikely, it is possible that Noesen could be traded. It's been reported that former Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has expanded his preferred trade destinations. The Devils were one of the 10 teams, but given the salary implications, it would be difficult for Sunny Mehta to pull that one off. Given Noesen's contract, he would only be used to help facilitate it. But the more likely scenario is that Noesen will appear again for the Devils this season, and the future come the offseason is still undetermined.

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