NJ Devils bring back AHL forward Kevin Rooney

Kevin Rooney will return to the Devils on a two-year, two-way contract, general manager Ray Shero announced Monday.

The 25-year-old forward played a key role for the Binghamton Devils last season, scoring 14 goals and assisting on 20 in 71 games at the American Hockey League level. He played in one game at the NHL level but did not make the scoresheet. 

Rooney, who has five games of NHL experience under his belt, will make $700,000 at the NHL level or $100,000 ($70,000 guaranteed) at the AHL level through 2019 and 2020. 

The former Providence Friar is one of many Boston-area players in the Devils’ pipeline. New Binghamton head coach Mark Dennehy mentioned Rooney as a player that he’s familiar with during his introductory teleconference. The left-shot centerman is a solid depth piece with a good shot who can grow into a bottom-six role. 

At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Rooney has good hockey size but has been working on developing strength in the AHL. New Jersey coaches have lauded him for his hockey sense and work ethic. 

An undrafted free agent out of Providence, Rooney came to the Devils on an AHL contract in July 2016. He signed a one-year NHL contract in February 2017 and received a qualifying offer in June.

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