Sheldon Keefe Remains Head Coach of the New Jersey Devils
In a move signaling continuity amidst recent upheaval, Sheldon Keefe has been confirmed to remain as head coach of the New Jersey Devils. This announcement came on Tuesday, following an in-depth evaluation by the franchise’s new general manager, Sunny Mehta, who took the reins of the hockey operations last month.
Coaching Staff Changes
Despite a disappointing season that saw the Devils fail to qualify for the playoffs and led to the departure of long-time general manager Tom Fitzgerald, the team is looking to build on the foundations laid under Keefe, who has been at the helm for two years.
While Keefe retains his role, notable changes are underway within the coaching staff. Goaltending coach Dave Rogalski has been let go, and assistant coach Sergei Brylin is undergoing reassignment. These decisions come as Mehta reshapes the organizational landscape, bringing in Braden Birch as an assistant after their successful collaboration in Florida, which resulted in consecutive Stanley Cup victories.
Restructuring Team Management
In addition to these coaching adjustments, Mehta opted not to extend the contracts of executives Chuck Fletcher and Dan MacKinnon, further indicating a significant restructuring approach in the team management. Last season, the Devils reached the playoffs but faced an early exit against the Carolina Hurricanes, missing key player Jack Hughes due to shoulder surgery.
The team now aims for a resurgence as they move into the next season under Keefe’s guidance.
