Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

he New Jersey Devils have confirmed that head coach Sheldon Keefe will return for the upcoming season, despite a disappointing previous campaign. Zach Berman explains that while Keefe’s return would typically be the main headline, the coaching staff is seeing larger shakeups, especially with the firing of goaltending coach Dave Rogalski. After six years of poor goaltending performance, including having some goalies thrive only after leaving the Devils, Rogalski’s dismissal is seen as overdue and necessary for the team to progress, especially in developing young goalies and ending the cycle of relying on aging veterans 00:01:38–00:10:23.
Another major move involves franchise legend Sergei Brylin being reassigned within the organization, with speculation that he could join the Utica Comets’ staff, possibly as head coach or assistant. Zach Berman points out that while Brylin’s retention avoids the public backlash seen with other teams’ treatment of franchise icons, his redeployment signals a broader retooling of the Devils’ developmental system. The team’s farm system has been ranked near the bottom of the league—an unacceptable position given its draft capital—which makes changes at the minor league and developmental level both urgent and welcome 00:13:42–00:15:18.
The rest of the coaching staff, including Brad Shaw and Jeremy Colliton, will remain. Zach Berman expresses mild surprise about Shaw’s retention given last year’s poor defensive performance but notes that both Shaw and Colliton are part of Keefe’s handpicked staff. There’s an underlying sense that if this group does not deliver early next season, the new management may act quickly, as Keefe is on a short leash. The current structure allows for flexibility—if results aren’t immediate, GM Sunny Mehta has the option to move on from Keefe and his hires without delay 00:16:12–00:27:51.
Ultimately, Zach Berman supports giving Keefe another year, citing his strong track record, tactical shifts, and ability to publicly identify the roster’s issues. However, the expectation is clear: a healthy roster and improved underlying numbers must translate into wins and playoff contention. The coaching stability is paired with the promise of further front office and developmental changes, and if performance lags, Zach Berman anticipates quick adjustments from the new regime 00:27:51–00:29:54.
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n this episode, Zach Berman dives into the recent wave of turmoil surrounding the New Jersey Devils, focusing especially on locker room issues and the persistent trade rumors surrounding defenseman Simon Nemec. Zach Berman notes that veteran Brendan Dillon’s recent candid comments on Vancouver radio revealed unresolved “elephants in the room” this past season, with specific hints about player dissatisfaction over ice time and defensive pairings. Although Dillon praised Nemec, Zach Berman interprets much of the underlying tension as centering around the former second overall pick, who has struggled to secure a consistent role and has repeatedly been connected to trade speculation.

The episode unpacks Nemec’s tenure with the Devils, highlighting how he has not quite fit in as expected for a high draft pick. Zach Berman observes that Nemec has been unhappy with his usage and contract status, especially compared to Luke Hughes, who earned a significant extension. Multiple Slovakian reports again resurfaced, alleging that Nemec requested a trade; however, Zach Berman cites denials from local and national sources, suggesting that while Nemec hasn’t officially asked out, both he and the organization may be open to a move. Zach Berman asserts that “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” implying significant dissatisfaction on both sides.

Trade discussions are placed in the context of a broader locker room malaise. Zach Berman points to not just Nemec, but also issues like questionable coaching decisions, starting goaltender controversies, and failed attempts to acquire top talent such as Quinn Hughes. He believes the organization’s very public pursuit and eventual failure to land Hughes created lasting internal damage, leaving several players feeling unwanted due to the front office’s aggressive trade maneuvering. This atmosphere, Zach Berman suggests, contributed to an overall breakdown in team cohesion and morale.

In conclusion, Zach Berman expects significant changes ahead, likely including a trade of Nemec, but emphasizes that the current fractures go deeper than a single player’s unhappiness. He puts responsibility primarily on the previous Devils front office rather than on the players or current coaches, and stresses that the path forward will depend on the new management’s vision and willingness to address not only the roster but the culture issues as well. As the franchise heads into another pivotal offseason, the episode closes on an anxious but hopeful note, awaiting decisive moves and a fresh start for the embattled team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The episode, hosted by Zach Berman, dives into a highly anticipated New Jersey Devils offseason, described as one of the most consequential in franchise history. Zach Berman welcomes JP Gambatese to discuss initial impressions of the Devils’ new front office hires, most notably praising the appointments of Sunny Mehta and Braden Birch, both with strong reputations from the Florida Panthers organization. The conversation highlights optimism around Mehta’s modern approach and Birch’s cap management expertise, with speculation about potential further additions from successful teams like Florida, including Bryan McCabe.
Attention then shifts to the coaching situation. Zach Berman and JP Gambatese examine the surprise firing of Kris Knoblauch in Edmonton and weigh whether he would be an upgrade over current Devils coach Sheldon Keefe. While both acknowledge Keefe’s post-Olympic improvements with the Devils, JP Gambatese expresses that Knoblauch up-tempo, rush-centric style could further maximize the Devils’ roster—especially given their young, dynamic core.
Roster construction and offseason strategy form the next major topic. Both agree the Devils should avoid overcommitting in free agency after observing the league's recent risky contracts. Instead, they see value in targeted trades, with the likely scenario of the Devils flipping the 12th overall pick for a top-six forward. Names like Jason Robertson, Robert Thomas, and Maveric Bourque are discussed as dream or realistic targets, while JP Gambatese also suggests Patrick Laine as a potential low-risk, high-upside reclamation project. The possibility of moving players like Simon Nemec or Dawson Mercer to acquire elite talent is also debated.
Lastly, they delve into the draft strategy, advocating best-player-available regardless of position and highlighting prospects such as Viggo Bjorck, Wyatt Cullen, and Tynan Lawrence as strong candidates at pick #12. The episode closes with a look at goaltending, where both Zach Berman and JP Gambatese see Jacob Markstrom as a possible bounce-back option and emphasize that improving scoring and puck movement are greater priorities than changing netminders. The discussion concludes on a hopeful note for the Devils’ offseason, with an expectation for significant roster moves and continued coverage from JP Gambatese.
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Charlie Coyle's recent contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets—a six-year deal at $6 million per year despite Coyle being 34—serves as a warning sign for the New Jersey Devils about the dangers of overpaying in free agency. Zach Berman urges the Devils to steer clear of such costly contracts when shopping for players in 2026, emphasizing that the team is in a much better position now with a savvy new general manager leading their front office restructuring. The landscape of NHL management is also shifting, with news about potential GM hires in Nashville and Vancouver signaling wider changes—but Zach Berman notes that the Devils' recent hire of Sunny Mehta might be the most impressive move among teams this offseason.

Analyzing the upcoming free agent market, Zach Berman highlights how several available players bring significant risk and are likely to command overpriced deals. Names like Darren Raddysh, who had a breakout season at age 30, and Rasmus Andersson, who is coming off an uneven run, may look tempting but are "landmine" contracts waiting to happen. Even forwards like Alex Tuch—despite strong numbers in Buffalo—are likely too expensive to justify bringing in. The majority of top free agents either do not fit the Devils' needs or are expected to re-sign with their current teams.

Instead of chasing risky free agents, Zach Berman recommends the Devils focus on internal roster moves and targeting trade opportunities, especially as key players like Nico Hischier approach extension talks. The cautionary tale of Charlie Coyle’s deal underscores the danger of long-term commitments to aging players, and the Devils should focus on sustainability and flexibility rather than splashy signings that could impede their progress.

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