Forward Tomas Tatar has played for six teams in the NHL over thirteen seasons. Although each stop was special in their own right, a one-year contract is bringing Tatar back to the New Jersey Devils, a place that ‘feels like home.’

Coming back was a decision that came easily to me, and to be honest, it feels like returning home,” Tatar expressed on Monday. “I’m familiar with everyone, my teammates, the staff, and it brings a comforting feeling to me.”

Tatar, who spent two years in New Jersey, joined the Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken for the previous season. Despite being away, he remained connected with his ex-teammates and kept a close eye on the team’s progress throughout the year.

Reflecting on his time with the Devils, Tatar expressed his sincere appreciation for the strong bond and camaraderie within the team’s locker room. He felt a genuine closeness among his teammates and appreciated how they stayed connected even after he left, constantly checking in on each other’s well-being throughout the season. Tatar described the experience of being part of such a tight-knit group as incredibly uplifting and a truly remarkable feeling.

Tatar’s phone began ringing as soon as rumors of a potential reunion after a year apart began spreading.

Tatar explained that when he realized he might be returning, he wanted to keep it a secret for as long as possible. However, the news started to leak a bit, and he started receiving messages from his teammates. Once the deal was finalized, he received a flood of texts from everyone. Tatar expressed his joy in rejoining the Devils and being more than just a friend to the guys, but a teammate once again.

Tatar expressed, “Upon joining a new team, it’s always an uplifting feeling when a few members reach out and acknowledge your presence. However, this experience was distinct. It felt as though I, the familiar face, was returning and being embraced as part of the family.”

Tatar will be wearing the Devils jersey for his first game since returning, surrounded by his hockey family and loved ones, in front of his family, friends, and loved ones. The upcoming game will take place in Prague, Czechia as part of the 2024 Global Series, conveniently located just a three-hour drive from Tatar’s home in Slovakia.

“I’m incredibly thrilled,” expressed Tatar. “Last year, I was just a spectator watching the Devils, and I remember being awestruck when I heard they were going to play in Prague. I thought, ‘wow, that’s amazing.’ But after signing my contract, it completely slipped my mind. It wasn’t until Ondrej Palat reminded me.”

Tatar expressed his immense joy, stating, “Having the opportunity to play an NHL game with the Devils in front of my loved ones is an incredible opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. I am filled with excitement.”

There’s plenty of excitment for the veteran forward on this next chapter of his career, but the most significant feeling is one of returning to a place where he’s always loved.

Tatar expressed his deep affection for his time spent in New Jersey, confessing that leaving was a difficult task. However, he expressed contentment and joy upon returning, feeling as though he had never truly departed.