The New Jersey Devils are looking to rebound with a revamped roster and a new coach this upcoming season. Devils President and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald hired Sheldon Keefe as the next head coach after interim head coach Travis Green left to take the job with the Ottawa Senators.
Sheldon Keefe came over from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Fitzgerald wanted to add a coach to grow the team. Fitzgerald had his eyes on Keefe once the Maple Leafs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. He contacted Leafs GM Brad Treliving to arrange for Sheldon Keefe to be the new coach in New Jersey.
Keefe knows how to coach a young team that includes superstars and veteran players. There is an argument to be made that Keefe did more with less during his time in Toronto, especially on the defensive side of the ice. During his introductory press conference, he stated he was excited to get going and knew he had a motivated group looking for redemption.
One of those players is Erik Haula. Haula joined Jamison Coyle and Mike Rupp on NHL Network recently to discuss the new additions to the roster and his thoughts on new head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Grading the New Jersey Devils Offseason: Part 4 – Coaching
Jamison Coyle: “A lot of new players, as we saw right there. Also, a new coach, Sheldon Keefe, is taking over behind the bench in New Jersey. Have you had a chance to speak with him yet? And if so, maybe what’s the philosophy like coming into this season? How do you guys think you’ll play this year compared to maybe the last two years? What’s your take on the new coach in Jersey?”
Erik Haula: “We had a good conversation. I think our identity is gonna stay the same play fast. I think we you know, as you can see with the addition, we want to defend better, but you know, talking with Keefer, the expectations are gonna be high for individuals and as a team, and I think accountability is going to be a big thing for a group and, you know, he’s a perfect guy for us. You know, he’s a younger guy. He’s hungry to win as well. I think with his experience in Toronto with all the superstars and all that stuff that goes on around there is only going to help him be a better coach next year as well. and really excited to work with him. I think, once again, he is a good hire by Fitzy, and I am excited to get going.”
The players are excited about getting coached by Sheldon Keefe. Haula mentioned accountability, an area the players need the most help with. New Jersey was undisciplined last year and needed to help up to a better standard for mistakes. That is where Keefe comes in.
Erik Haula Says the Devils Will Be An Exciting and Motivated Group This Season
While there is always a new coaching curve for players to learn, the Devils expect to make the playoffs next season. Considering the money the team spent during free agency and the trades, Tom Fitzgerald made to improve their areas of need.
Erik Haula is not the only one excited to see what Sheldon Keefe can do behind the bench next season. The New Jersey Devils are a team worth watching next year.
