The New Jersey Devils were never in for too many surprises at this year's training camp, though two pleasant surprises turned out to be disappointments for Sheldon Keefe to no fault of their own.
With two preseason games left for the Devils, Keefe reflected on training camp so far, sharing to the media Tuesday his disappointment that prospects Shane Lachance and Lenni Hameenaho have battled injuries and haven't been able to play or practice much.
“For me, one of the disappointments of camp is those guys haven't been available. I was really excited to watch those guys compete," Keefe said. "They’re real good prospects that, quite frankly, I don’t know that we had this time last year.”
#NJDevil HC Keefe on Hämeenaho & Lachance:
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 30, 2025
“For me, one of the disappointments of camp is those guys haven't been available. I was really excited to watch those guys compete […] they’re real good prospects that, quite frankly, I don’t know that we had this time last year.” pic.twitter.com/41s7v1fZoj
In Hameenaho's case, the Devils weren't exactly holding an open competition at the right wing position, given the return of Jesper Bratt, the addition of Connor Brown, and the fact that Dawson Mercer hasn't been able to stick at center. Plus, Stefan Noesen is still in the fold despite being injured, and newcomer Arseny Gritsyuk will get his chances, too.
As for Lachance, the Devils' recent trade acquisition impressed in limited preseason action with his size and slick hands, but he has limited pro experience and, obviously, missed some time with Hameenaho.
Depending on how the 22-year-old progresses, the Devils could have him eventually replace Paul Cotter or Ondrej Palat as a bottom-six left wing, and enforcer Kurtis MacDermid might vacate another roster spot at the end of this season.
For a coach who isn't exactly known for his development of young players during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Keefe's comments are obviously a huge positive coming out of training camp and flattering of the Devils' two best young forwards in the prospect pipeline.
As long as Lachance and Hameenaho are able to remain healthy and continue their upward trajectories, there's no reason to believe they can't emerge as key contributors for the Devils in the near future.