There are so many players at different parts of their careers on the New Jersey Devils this season. Certain players will have extra time with the coaches.
The New Jersey Devils are one of the youngest teams in the NHL. With that, the team’s coaches will have some players they need to give extra coaching. Whether it’s trying to help them avoid hitting the wall towards the end of the season or helping them move into a new position, some players will need help getting there.
The New Jersey added a few new coaches this season after Geoff Ward and Ryane Clowe left to take jobs in different organizations. Head coach John Hynes replaced them with AHL head coach Rick Kowalsky and former Blackhawks scout Mike Grier.
Hynes and his staff will have their hands full. Last year was easy, relatively. There were zero expectations going into the season. People thought the Devils were going to be in last place last season. It’s always easier to win as the underdog than it is to make it as the favorite. The pressure is basically zero.
This season, however, there’s so much more on the line. For one, there are two teams in the Metropolitan Division that will easily fall behind them (Rangers and Islanders). While some may still say the rebuild is going on, when the team is trying to re-sign their league MVP, there can’t be another rebuilding year.
That said, the coaches need to keep this team on the right track. Here are five players the Devils coaches will need to spend extra time with over the season.