By Am I surprised that Seamus Casey is playing in the NHL? No. I am surprised that it’s right here, right now. He has grabbed playing time that was out there and doesn’t appear to want to give it up. He’s a smart kid who impressed me in his draft year and the many times I saw him playing for the NTDP. I had Casey ranked 23rd in his draft year and between then and his time at Michigan, he impressed me.
He may be 5’10” and 180 pounds but he knows how to play on the power play and his technique on defense is the key to his future success and more playing time with the New Jersey Devils. A smart defenseman can overcome size issues.
“My gaping and my stick are my two biggest strengths. I can gap down tight in the offensive zone and keep pucks in. In transition, I use my stick a lot. Anytime I can force a turnover and get that puck going the other way, fast, is something I’m good at.”
Casey has displayed all of these attributes. He stole a puck and got a goal recently. His shot on the power play is very good and he is a right-handed shot.
The Devils have a potential gem in him. Even when Luke Hughes returns, I doubt they will take him out of the lineup. He’s a real Calder candidate for sure. Casey wasn’t one of the sexy preseason picks but that’s what is great about hockey. Sometimes, guys can arrive ahead of time and have an impact.
It’s early but I like what I see in him. I think he can be a 45–50-point player in the NHL providing he stays on the power play. He told me he thinks he can play at 185 so he’s almost there and very close to staying.
