Sheldon Keefe is never afraid of speaking his mind about the New Jersey Devils. He did just that last night following an ugly loss, reinforcing what he’s said all along.
When we were all buying the “mature” narrative—hand up, I did too—he remained that the Devils still had much left to prove. It should be a surprise to no one that he was right.
Perhaps, Quinn Hughes fixes everything? More on that a bit below.
Elsewhere, Nazem Kadri’s trade status, J.T. Miller’s injury, and more.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: According to a report by Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal, Quinn Hughes could become available to the Devils sooner than anticipated. It’s certainly something to keep an eye on, as chatter of his departure from Vancouver is getting louder.
More NJHN: The Devils suffered an ugly loss against the Philadelphia Flyers last night, unraveling early and getting away from their structure. It’s three losses in a row, now. Amid key injuries, it’s not been great.
Even More: As a result of the ugly loss, Sheldon Keefe, candid as ever, calls out his team. He’s not questioning their identity. He knows exactly what the Devils are, and according to the head coach, it’s not a good thing.
Devils Rink Report: Ryan Novozinsky, host of Speaking of the Devils, joined me on Friday to discuss many things, including why these two players could change everything for New Jersey. Watch here 👇🏼
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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Forever Blueshirts: Perhaps that clip of J.T. Miller coasting from a few nights ago makes sense now. He sat out the New York Rangers‘ tilt on Saturday night against the Utah Mammoth with a lower-body injury.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Keefe wasn’t the only head coach ticked at his team on Saturday. Dan Muse was just as candid about the Pittsburgh Penguins last night. Perhaps, they need Kyle Dubas to act, soon.
San Jose Hockey Now: Well, the San Jose Sharks went from wondering if they were playoff bound to calling themselves immature. This is about what you expected, but the locker room vibes were down last night.
Colorado Hockey Now: Ex-Devils goaltender, Mackenzie Blackwood, came up huge last night for the Colorado Avalanche. After battling injury this year, he earned his first win of the season in a shutout victory over the Nashville Predators.
Philly Hockey Now: As opposed to the Devils last night, here’s how the Philadelphia Flyers pounced on the Devils last night.
Montreal Hockey Now: After the St. Louis Blues waived and terminated Alexander Texier, the Montreal Canadiens are expected to scoop up the forward.
Sportsnet: I know I’ve been banging the Nazem Kadri drum, but it sounds like the Calgary Flames GM is pushing back on the idea of moving him.
James is the New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and the PHWAs New … More about James Nichols