The 21-year-old left wing (6-foot-3, 196 pounds) had 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 55 games for Utica of the American Hockey League last season. He had 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 24 AHL games in 2020-21.
"I think this is hopefully my time to be here with New Jersey on the opening night roster," Foote said. "It's been my goal since the end of last season. I just need to continue my training and hopefully surprise them and make the roster out of training camp."
New Jersey assistant general manager Dan MacKinnon said he would like to see Foote make the jump.
"I don't think it's crushing if he's not there, Day One, but if he earns it, we're happy to see it," MacKinnon said. "We do want to see our roster evolve with more size and he brings that. He started to play more of a man's game in the second half, last year. I think (Utica coach) Kevin Dineen really brought out some great attributes in Nolan. When he commits to playing a traffic game and using his body, because he does have good hands and a good shot, he can score and be effective.
"We think that's how he's going to eventually be given the chance at the NHL level."
Foote had two brief stints with the Devils last season, playing two games in January and five in April. He had four points (three goals, one assist) and 10 shots in seven games.
At the time of his recall in April, coach Lindy Ruff praised Foote for adjusting and performing to his potential.
"Sometimes you come out of junior and can expect to be this type of player, but he's learned you have to be an all-around player and play in all three zones," Ruff said. "Sometimes you have to change your play to be successful."
Foote, who was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round (No. 27) of the 2019 NHL Draft, has six points (four goals, two assists) in 13 NHL games. New Jersey acquired Foote and a first-round pick (Shakir Mukhamadullin) in the 2020 NHL Draft in a trade with the Lightning for forward Blake Coleman on Feb. 16, 2020.
Foote's father, former NHL defenseman Adam Foote, played 1,154 NHL games over 19 seasons with the Quebec Nordiques, Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets. He won the Stanley Cup twice with the Avalanche (1996, 2001).
"My dad's advice entering development camp (July 11-15) was have a good attitude," Foote said. "Even though I was probably one of the older players, to just soak it in with the staff, meet new faces. He's been a huge help my entire career and just wants to keep building and growing each year."
