Pucks and Pitchforks
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Major Checklist For New Jersey Devils Offseason

By Samanew Annaluru

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 25: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils skates during the game against the Dallas Stars on January 25, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 25: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils skates during the game against the Dallas Stars on January 25, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils head coach Lindy Ruff: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

A change behind the Bench

The final main change comes on the bench. While Lindy Ruff looks set to return as Head Coach for the 2022-23 season, his assistants will be different from the previous year. Alain Nasserdine and Mark Recchi were both let go at the beginning of the offseason. While Recchi was justifiably fired after a poor coaching display on the power play, Nasreddine had a very serviceable if not very good PK.

To replace Recchi, the Devils have been linked with former Florida Panthers interim head coach Andrew Brunette, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. This could be an extremely smart move from Tom Fitzgerald, as he could fix some of the power play issues while having a head coach ready in waiting. Flordia had one of the league-best power plays, coming in at a 24.4% success rate. Florida also had one of the best offenses in the league. These two facts, coupled with Brunette’s nomination for the Jack Adams Award, could make the move a slam dunk.

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As for the PK assistant, there has not been much noise. One name that could make sense is former San Jose Sharks Assitant John Madden. Madden, of course, is a very familiar name to Devils fans, playing for the team from 1999-2009. He ran an extremely effective Penalty Kill in San Jose, and his links to the area could make him a natural fit in New Jersey. Outside of Madden, there are not too many options. Perhaps the Devils will make a hire from Utica, or another AHL team.

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