Casey is set to make his pro debut in the Devils organization after two seasons at Michigan

NEWARK, NJ — Seamus Casey knows that time in the American Hockey League is the step he needs to take on the road to an NHL career with the New Jersey Devils.

“It's hard to make an NHL team and the Devils are doing a good job of getting guys, drafting and signing guys, and it's fun to be a part of it all,” the 20-year-old defenseman said while in New Jersey. development camp last month. “I want to do my best to get a chance to make the team and, if not, wherever they think is good for me, I'm good.”

Casey signed his entry-level contract on May 6 after having 45 points (seven goals, 38 assists) in 40 games as a sophomore at the University of Michigan. The second round pick (No. 46) in the 2022 NHL Draft will represent the Devils in the Buffalo Rookie Challenge from September 15-19 and join New Jersey in training camp before beginning his professional hockey career in Utica of the AHL this season. .

“A few people have been asking, 'What's it like trying to make the Devils?'” Casey said. “I think playing at Michigan for two years, obviously you want to be the best but it's not like trying to make the team, because you're on the team. It's a lot of fun trying to make the team again. You get that chill to get on the ice with the guys and compete and try to win a spot and, if not, go to a spot your best and do your best.”

Casey led Michigan's defense and ranked third in the NCAA in scoring, earned All-Big 10 First Team honors, was named to the Big 10 All-Tournament team and the NCAA All-Regional team, and was a Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year. . Player of the Year. He was also named an American Hockey Coaches Association/CCM All-American.

“I had a good conversation with Casey (during development camp) about the decision to turn around,” Utica coach Kevin Dineen said. “Standing out is not easy, I mean he goes to one of the best schools in the nation. It's great that they're successful on the ice and there's a lot of good things that go with his situation in school, but in school. in the end, you have to make tough decisions to move on, and he made that decision.”