Devils Daily
Devils Daily: Jake Guentzel News; Devils Coaching Option; Stanley Cup Final
Finally, we’ve made it to the morning of Game One of the Stanley Cup Final. This past week has been a decent taste of what the summer brings, something that has perhaps started early for fans of the New Jersey Devils.
Not us in the media, however. Storylines are still ablaze, and coverage of your favorite NHL team — as well as others in relation to the Devils — continues.
For instance, in the links you’ll find a reportedly potential Devils coaching option to stand alongside Sheldon Keefe. Also, those “Jersey” jersey’s the Devils wear? They’ll be back.
Elsewhere, Jake Guentzel will be a hot commodity in free agency. That is, however, if he makes it that far. More on that below.
Plus, the Florida Panthers know the disappointment in a Stanley Cup loss, Jonathan Drouin and Colorado, and no news is good news with Matvei Michkov.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils News
New Jersey Hockey Now: For starters, the Devils — or more specifically, Sheldon Keefe — will need to make a decision on the coaching staff. As events unfold in Toronto, some of Keefe’s former henchman are becoming available. However, a recent report suggests former NHL head coach, Jeremy Colliton, is an option as one of Keefe’s assistants.
More NJHN: In the transition from Adidas Adizero jersey’s to Fanatics, there was expected to be changes regarding NHL uniforms. One of those changes was going to be dropping third jersey’s from NHL rotations. However, that’s seemingly changing now, and the Devils’ third jersey is reportedly returning as well.
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Jake Guentzel News
New Jersey Hockey Now: One of the biggest news notes of Friday was the report that Jake Guentzel‘s rights are being shopped ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft. At one time, the Canes had the hope to sign their 2024 NHL Trade Deadline acquisition. However, it sounds like major changes are coming to the Devils’ division rival. Could Guentzel end up in New Jersey?
NYI Hockey Now: The New York Islanders have needed that one final piece to give themselves a legitimate top line threat at 5-on-5. With the contracts they have, their timeline to rebuild doesn’t make sense, and they’re certainly going to want to be competitive next season with Lou Lamoirello and Patrick Roy at the helm. Jake Guentzel’s availability makes sense for them.
Chicago Hockey Now: When the Chicago Blackhawks drafted Connor Bedard, their timeline to compete again drastically moved forward. The Hawks surrounded Bedard with veteran NHL talent, and the 2023-24 rookie flourished and is a favorite to win the Calder Trophy. Does signing Jake Guentzel via free agency as a Bedard linemate make sense for Chicago?
2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Florida Hockey Now: The Florida Panthers have been a freight train en route to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Last postseason, the Cats lost in the championship to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. They remember the sting of losing what was nearly in reach and have plenty of motivation to secure a different fate this summer.
The Athletic ($): There’s been a lot of praise thrown around regarding the Panthers and the way they built their Stanley Cup contending roster, and deservedly so. However, it’s easy to forget that the Panthers once drafted now Edmonton Oilers forward, Zach Hyman, who Florida will face in the Final. Here’s how they let the 50-plus goal-scorer get away.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Colorado Hockey Now: The challenges Jonathan Drouin overcame this past season were remarkable. That’s what makes him the Colorado Avalanche’s Masterton Trophy nominee. However, Drouin is now a pending unrestricted free agent following a bounce back 2023-24 season in which he scored 19 goals and 56 points in 79 games. Now, Drouin’s agent explains both he and the Avalanche have had positive conversations about the 29-year-old re-signing to remain in Denver.
Philly Hockey Now: Rumors were rampant about Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov. Word was he was going to terminate his KHL contract and cross the pond to North America, making his anticipated NHL debut earlier than intended. Ever since the report Michkov was Philly-bound, things have gone quiet. Yet, that’s good news for the Flyers, say’s PhHN’s Jon Bailey.
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