Need casual user upgrade advice

I Am a long time casual user. I have an old Mac mini 2009. I am trying to figure out best option for new machine.

nbe new Mac mini has no cd drive. Can I connect new 2014 Mac mini midrange model to old 2009 for additional storage and use of cd drive? Also I am using my mac mostly for photo storage and casual writing.

It is at capacity so I have a sea gate drive and wd drive I would like to attach. So I would have 4 components. No longer very mini I know. But will it work?

Thanks.