Colin White Signs With Devils, Eyes NHL Comeback After Career Season

Colin White is poised for a fresh start in his NHL career, having signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New Jersey Devils. The deal, worth $900,000 at the NHL level and $400,000 in the AHL, presents an exciting opportunity for the 29-year-old former first-round pick of the Ottawa Senators.

Last season marked a significant turning point for White, who enjoyed the best offensive performance of his professional career. While playing for the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, he notched a career-high 48 points over just 46 games, achieving a point-per-game average for the first time. This resurgence echoes back to his collegiate days at Boston College, where he recorded 36 goals and 76 points in 72 games.

During his time with the Barracuda, White formed a notable partnership with young prospect Kasper Haltunnen, who joined the team through a recent trade involving William Eklund. White also showcased his versatility by playing right wing alongside Filip Bystedt, the Sharks’ 2022 first-round pick. His performance did not go unnoticed, especially by the new Devils’ GM Sunny Mehta, who is known for his analytical approach to the game. White is expected to receive a thorough evaluation during training camp. Should he not secure a spot on the Devils’ roster, he will bring veteran experience and scoring depth to the AHL’s Utica Comets.

With a wealth of NHL experience, White has played in 323 games over parts of eight seasons with teams including Ottawa, Florida, Pittsburgh, and Montreal. His arrival may evoke nostalgia for Devils fans, recalling the contributions of a different Colin White, who played 11 seasons with New Jersey and was instrumental in their Stanley Cup victories in 2000 and 2003.

For Senators fans, the name Colin White conjures memories of unmet expectations. Drafted 21st overall by Ottawa in 2015, he had a promising start, scoring 14 goals and 41 points in his first full season, often playing alongside Mark Stone and rookie Brady Tkachuk. However, injuries and the rise of younger talent, such as Tim Stutzle and Josh Norris, hindered his progress. Despite signing a six-year contract with a $4.75 million annual cap hit, White struggled to maintain his early success and was ultimately bought out by the Senators in the summer of 2022.

Following his buyout, White joined the Florida Panthers, contributing 15 points in 68 games but gradually became an NHL part-timer, moving between Pittsburgh, Montreal, and San Jose. Even after his departure, the Senators continue to bear the financial impact of his contract, with an annual charge of $875,000 remaining on their cap for two more seasons.

Today, however, is a positive chapter for White. Having rediscovered his offensive touch in the AHL, he is determined to parlay this momentum into a return to the NHL as a regular contributor.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.