The Vegas Golden Knights have made another significant move on the second day of the draft weekend. Following the trade of Logan Thompson to the Washington Capitals, the Golden Knights have struck a deal with the New Jersey Devils. This trade brings goaltender Akira Schmid and forward Alexander Holtz to Vegas, while forward Paul Cotter and a third-round pick in the 2025 draft head to New Jersey.
Akira Schmid, a 24-year-old goalie and former fifth-round pick by the Devils, appeared in 19 NHL games last season. He posted a 5-9-1 record, a 3.15 goals-against average, and a .895 save percentage. Over his three seasons with New Jersey, Schmid played in 43 NHL games, amassing a career record of 14-18-3. Originally from Bern, Switzerland, Schmid now has the opportunity to secure the backup goalie position behind Adin Hill, the Golden Knights’ starter, especially with Thompson’s recent departure. The Devils, who bolstered their goaltending by acquiring Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames, made Schmid available, facilitating his move to Vegas.
Joining Schmid is Alexander Holtz, a former seventh-overall pick in the 2020 draft. The 22-year-old forward played all 82 games last season, scoring 16 goals and totaling 28 points. Holtz also contributed to New Jersey’s second power-play unit and will compete for a top-nine role with the Golden Knights next season. The Stockholm, Sweden native is in the final year of his entry-level contract, earning $894,167. Holtz will become a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season, giving the Golden Knights time to evaluate his fit within the team.
For the New Jersey Devils, general manager Tom Fitzgerald has made it clear he wanted to add more grit to the roster. Paul Cotter, a 24-year-old forward known for his physical play, fits this mold perfectly. Last season, Cotter delivered 233 hits and recorded 25 points in 76 games. He has two years remaining on his current contract, with an average annual value of $775,000 through the 2025-26 season. Cotter’s tenacious playing style should provide the Devils with the edge they desire.
As the NHL free agency period approaches on Monday, both the Golden Knights and the Devils are expected to remain active. This trade is likely just one of several moves each team will make as they continue to reshape their rosters for the upcoming season. The Golden Knights, having added depth in goal and a promising forward, look to strengthen their lineup further, while the Devils aim to build a tougher, more competitive team with their new acquisitions.
