The New Jersey Devils held their last practice before the team's trip to Europe. They begin their season in Prague, Czechia, for the latest version of the Global Series. With only four preseason games to judge the roster, there's a chance the Devils have to make rash decisions about who makes the "opening night" roster. Of course, the Devils could make changes to the roster after they return from Czechia, but the initial roster will be based on a short training camp under new head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Not a lot has stood out in the positive for the Devils this preseason. It's been mostly a rough watch, but there is one player who has been way above what anyone expected. Rookie defenseman Seamus Casey has been amazing, starting his journey in rookie camp where he looked like he had been working on his poise and patience in the offseason.
In the preseason, Casey has been on the ice for 10 power play shifts (most of which on the fly) and has been there for three high-danger chances. He looked useful in that PP QB role, if the Devils want to use Casey to replace Luke Hughes in that role to start the season.
At the Devils last practice before getting on their flight, Casey was playing with the group that going to Prague. It was later confirmed that Casey will indeed be making the trip.
Here’s your #NJDevils group practicing before heading to Prague.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 29, 2024
Notable: Bowers and MacDermid are on one side of the ice working with the goalies while the rest of the roster is taking reps at the other end.
Unclear as of now if Pesce will travel.
We’ll check with Keefe. pic.twitter.com/Zz4glUPPFt
Head coach Sheldon Keefe addressed the decision to keep Casey on the roster. Of course, injuries to Hughes and Brett Pesce give him the opportunity, but it's ultimately his play that earned him this opportunity. As per Devils reporter Amanda Stein:
""Despite the fact that he’s coming into his first camp and all of that, he’s really gotten better each day... We think he’s earned the right to come on the trip with us.""Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe
It's very possible that Casey plays in just a game or two in Prague, or he might just be there to spend time with the team before heading to the Utica Comets before their season begins. Their first game is October 11, so the Devils will be back in time for Casey and any other player to play a full AHL season there.
Still, the headline here is Casey earned his trip to Prague. He might just be here until Brett Pesce is fully healthy, but it's a great sign for the prospect looking to make headway in a crowded defensive depth chart.