Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

The episode, hosted by Zach Berman, centers on the New Jersey Devils' position in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft after not moving up in the lottery and remaining with the 12th overall pick. Zach Berman expresses frustration at the Devils’ frequent absence from playoff contention and the team’s repeated reliance on the draft lottery for hope, marking this as their 11th lottery appearance in 14 seasons since the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals. He notes that while the lottery didn’t yield a major setback, as with the Vancouver Canucks, it is still disappointing for fans who want to see progress.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around whether the Devils should keep or trade their 12th overall pick. Zach Berman leans toward keeping the pick, citing the team’s relatively weak prospect pool (ranked 22nd out of 32 by The Athletic) despite years of high draft picks. He argues that building up a pipeline of young, cheap talent is essential both for cap flexibility and for maintaining a steady influx of talent, which could sustainably support the Devils’ long-term competitiveness.

However, Zach Berman acknowledges the arguments in favor of trading the pick, especially if it could bring in an established top-six winger—a critical need for the roster since the departure of Tyler Toffoli. He speculates about the trade market, mentioning names like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas

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Chuck Fletcher and Dan McKinnon have been fired from the New Jersey Devils organization as part of significant changes to the team's front office, a move that Zach Berman describes as long overdue at 00:12:49. Fletcher, who served as Senior Advisor to the President, Hockey Operations and General Manager, is criticized by Zach Berman for carrying over his poor front office track record from the Philadelphia Flyers, with both him and McKinnon being linked to the Devils’ lackluster player development and questionable contract decisions. McKinnon, who managed the Devils’ AHL affiliate, Utica Comets, is also noted for a decade of underwhelming prospect development, despite the organization's repeated high draft picks.
Zach Berman connects these firings to a wider critique of the Devils’ front office over the last decade, highlighting missed opportunities and poor drafting decisions that have crippled the organization—most notably the inability to acquire or develop high-end talent like Quinn Hughes, whose likely contract extension in Minnesota further frustrates the Devils' situation (00:02:59). The show host underscores that errors by previous managers like Tom Fitzgerald and Ray Shero continue to haunt the franchise and laments persistent issues with a "boys club" mentality that recycles unsuccessful executives (00:16:34).
Attention then turns to who could be next on the chopping block. Zach Berman identifies two top candidates: Dave Rogalski, the Devils’ goaltending coach since 2020, and Megan Duggan, director of player development since 2022. Rogalski, associated with deteriorating goaltending performance and stagnant goalie prospects, is considered by Zach Berman to be a near-certain firing in any impending purge (00:22:13). Duggan, while a hockey legend, is blamed for the lack of progress among skater prospects and an overall weak farm system, though Zach Berman suggests she could stay in the organization in a different role if removed from player development.
Looking forward, Zach Berman expresses optimism about Sonny Maida’s leadership, hoping for a complete overhaul of the Devils' organizational culture and approach (00:28:27). With a chance to break away from outdated front office practices and failed scouting, there is hope that the franchise can restructure itself into a consistent Stanley Cup contender. As further staff changes loom and with the draft lottery approaching, Zach Berman anticipates a busy period of transition and potential improvement for the Devils (00:29:05). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Zach Berman opened the episode by acknowledging the season as one of the most disappointing in New Jersey Devils franchise history, characterized by both rare moments of happiness and several infuriating lows. He began with an overview of current league playoff matchups, reflecting on which teams Devils fans might root for in the absence of their own team and voicing frustration that it “should have been us” advancing, as the Devils struggled mightily this year—including being swept by the Philadelphia Flyers.
Transitioning into the season’s high points, Zach Berman identified Jack Hughes’ golden goal for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics as the proudest moment for Devils fans—a singular highlight that did not occur in an NHL game. Other top moments included the Devils’ early eight-game win streak, Simon Nemec’s hat trick against Chicago, Jack Hughes’ dominant game against the Rangers, and the firing of GM Tom Fitzgerald, which was largely seen as a much needed sign of change. Zach Berman also highlighted specific memorable wins, such as shootout victories over Washington and Toronto, and the long-awaited trade of underperforming forward Ondrej Palat.
However, the episode devoted even more focus to the season’s nadirs. The single worst moment identified was missing out on acquiring Quinn Hughes, as hopes to unite the three Hughes brothers were dashed when he was instead traded to the Minnesota Wild—a result Zach Berman argued was the signature failure of Fitzgerald’s tenure and a turning point that crystallized the team’s assorted contractual miscues and poor draft luck. Other lowlights included the ill-fated extension of goalie Jacob Markstrom, a record-setting 9-0 loss to the Islanders (compounded by the team’s lackluster response), and a series of humiliating defeats marked by poor goaltending, blown leads, or embarrassing efforts.
Finally, Zach Berman referenced further moments that symbolized the season’s dysfunction, such as Dougie Hamilton’s controversial benching and miscommunications from the front office. Adding to the misery was a freak off-ice injury to Jack Hughes that effectively doomed the Devils’ playoff hopes. Looking forward, Zach Berman promised to shift focus towards the NHL Draft and prospective rebuilding efforts in the next episode, inviting listeners to stay engaged despite this lost season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The New Jersey Devils have initiated preliminary contract extension discussions with their captain, Nico Hischier, who is entering the final year of his current deal. Zach Berman explains that new general manager Sunny Mehta is proactively reaching out to Hischier’s camp, with both sides indicating a clear interest in keeping the captain in New Jersey for the long term. The most commonly predicted contract figure is around 8 years, $88 million (an $11 million AAV), putting Hischier among the league’s top-paid two-way centers as the NHL’s salary cap rises. Zach Berman underscores that locking in Hischier—an irreplaceable leader who has been vocal about his desire to win a Stanley Cup in New Jersey—is essential for the team's ambitions.

Discussion also centers on potential offseason targets, most prominently Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk, who had a disappointing playoff series but remains a highly productive and physically imposing forward. Zach Berman cautions, however, against acquiring Tkachuk at the expense of key core players like Hischier or Jesper Bratt, arguing that the Devils should build around these foundational pieces rather than "blow it up" in response to short-term setbacks. The importance of adding complementary talent—rather than making reactionary changes to the core—is highlighted as the best strategy for New Jersey's long-term success.

Goaltending is another pressing issue addressed by Zach Berman, with the future of Jacob Markstrom in doubt due to a burdensome contract and inconsistent performance. The podcast floats the idea of targeting a trade for Minnesota Wild netminder Filip Gustavsson, who, despite serving as a backup during the playoffs, posted solid numbers in the regular season and might become available if Minnesota decides to prioritize Jesper Wallstedt. Gustavsson’s contract, however, includes a no-movement clause, so any potential deal would require the goalie's approval.

As the Devils look towards the upcoming offseason, Zach Berman stresses the need for a measured, forward-thinking approach under Sunny Mehta’s leadership. By extending Nico Hischier, seeking smart additions like Brady Tkachuk or Filip Gustavsson, and learning from other franchises’ patience, the Devils aim to retool and return to contention without sacrificing their core identity. The episode closes with anticipation for draft lottery outcomes and further offseason developments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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In this episode, Zach Berman offers an enthusiastic and detailed analysis of Sunny Mehta’s introduction as the new General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, following his impressive opening press conference.
Key Takeaways
* Press Conference Performance
* Zach Berman describes Sunny Mehta's opening presser as about as close to a "grand slam" as an opening press conference can get, praising Mehta’s clarity, insight, and energy 00:01:09.
* Cautions that, while exciting, a press conference is only words—"actions speak louder than words" 00:01:47.
* Management Philosophy
* Mehta did not obsess over winning the Stanley Cup immediately, instead emphasizing building the team methodically "brick by brick" 00:02:47.
* He emphasized making "smart, educated and objective decisions" repeatedly as a guiding principle 00:12:25.
* Sunny Mehta's poker background influences his management approach—described as "tight and aggressive": have patience for the right moment, then act boldly when the opportunity comes 00:13:40.
* Coaching Decisions
* Zach Berman discussed the potential future of head coach Sheldon Keefe. Despite Keefe's presence at the presser, Mehta stated there would be a period of evaluation for all players and staff 00:04:13.
* Analysis was provided on why Keefe might or might not stay, referencing his previous playoff performance and the influence of former GM Tom Fitzgerald on the system 00:05:33.
* Speculated that Keefe adjusted strategies late in the season to better suit the roster, possibly to audition for his own future or at ownership's behest 00:07:30.
* Front Office and Core Players
* Mehta pledged a more analytically-driven front office, building on his experience with the Florida Panthers, where multiple perspectives (traditional scouts, analytics, sports science) were valued 00:14:43.
* Commitment expressed to extend Nico Hischier and focus on building around the Hughes brothers 00:15:59.
* Ownership and Spending
* Owner David Blitzer signaled an ongoing commitment to "spend to the cap every year," denying internal cap rumors 00:21:27.
* Rumors of hiring a president of hockey ops were shot down; Mehta impressed so thoroughly that ownership appears content with him as sole GM 00:21:58.
* Personal & Cultural Notes
* Mehta is a lifelong Devils fan, bringing emotional investment and understanding of the team’s culture 00:16:36.
* Numerous lighthearted references: the New Jersey "Taylor Ham/Pork Roll" debate (Zach Berman is adamant it’s pork roll) 00:00:10 00:26:54, and Mehta’s enduring support of the struggling Mets 00:26:28.
* Looking Forward
* Zach Berman expresses excitement for the new era, expecting bold, well-considered moves and an analytically savvy approach under Sunny Mehta 00:27:42.
* Anticipates big decisions soon regarding coaching, core players, and scouting personnel.
Notable Quotes
* On decision-making:
"I want to make smart, educated and objective decisions and I want to do it over and over and over again." 00:12:25

* On poker influence:
"You're more patient than other poker players... you have the guts to do what it takes when that moment is right to win the hand. And I'd say that's exactly how I view this." 00:13:40

* On being a Devils fan:
"...growing up the devil's logo was almost like a religious symbol to him." 00:18:49

Summary
The episode is a passionate, optimistic endorsement by Zach Berman of Sunny Mehta’s vision for the Devils. He praises Mehta’s intellect, creativity, and commitment—blending analytical prowess with lifelong loyalty. Zach Berman notes the presser’s fresh energy, the promise of rational process over impulsiveness, and the expectation that Mehta’s leadership will produce both immediate and long-term improvements for the franchise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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