Although the Devils are the oldest team in the NHL (an average of more than 29 years old), it’s apparent that, in recent times, general manager Lou Lamoriello is turning to younger guys with hopes to cement his team’s future.
The newest of youthful additions is Matt D’Agostini, who was added to the Devils roster on Friday in a trade agreement with the Blues. While not as young as 22 year-old forward Andrei Loktionov, acquired by the Devils in February, or players like Adam Henrique (23) and Adam Larsson (20), at 26, D’Agostini was still surprised to receive the news.
“Surprised, a little shocked,” D’Agostini admitted of being traded to the Devils after the team’s optional morning skate on Saturday.
“You are always, around this time, thinking about it. Still shocked. Tough to say goodbye to the guys and leave the team, but at the same time very excited to be here and be a part of this organization.”
D’Agostini began his NHL career with the Canadiens in the 2007-2008 season and was traded to the Blues at the end of the 2009-2010 season, earning him a total of 91 career points (45 goals, 46 assists) and 115 penalty minutes in 254 regular season games before becoming a Devil.
Devils right wing Tom Kostopoulos, who played for the Canadiens with D’Agostini, spoke highly of his former teammate.
“He’s a good solid player,” he said. “He brings speed, a really good shot. And he brings a nice touch around the net. He’s an offensive presence.”
Head coach Peter DeBoer is also familiar with D’Agostini.
“I know a little about him…I coached against him in junior where he was a very good player,” he said.
During his 2010-11 season with the Blues, D’Agostini merited a career-high of 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) in 82 games. However, this season with the Blues, D’agostini earned a mere one goal and one assist in 16 games.
“There were times where I was a little disappointed I guess,” he said. “Just a little inconsistency I guess you could call it, so that led to the in-and-out of the lineup, I guess.”
DeBoer expressed his confidence in D’Agostini despite his recent drought.
“He’s scored in the NHL and in the American League, inconsistently at the NHL level, but he has done it and we feel there’s that potential to do that again,” he said.
D’Agostini feels that he can once again find success. He said, “It’s kind of like a fresh start for me.”
“I’m looking at this game one, just go out there and establish my game early, just try to work hard and hopefully get some chances.”
Kostopoulos commented on what he thinks D’Agostini will offer the team.
“Speed down the wing,” he said. “A big body that can take the puck to the nets, good shots and hopefully bring some offense.”
D’Agostini arrived in New Jersey around midnight on Friday, but after participating in the Devils’ morning skate, he’s expected to make his debut when the Devils take on the Panthers at the Prudential Center on Saturday night.
“He’s gonna play,” DeBoer said. “Line combinations are not set in stone yet. We’re going to have another meeting after here after the pre-game skate so we’ll decide on that this afternoon. He’s, for me, a top-nine type forward, so we are going to give him that opportunity.”
