Devils Daily
Devils Daily: 2024-25 NHL Awards Odds; Devils Prospect Rankings
According to the sportsbooks, it’s apparently never to early to place a wager. In fact, they already have odds on the favorites for who will win the Stanley Cup, their conference, division, and individual awards. Banking on a rebound season in New Jersey, some Devils personnel have pretty good odds.
Plus, NJHN’s Nick Natale takes a look at the refreshed Devils prospect pool. Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec have been promoted. Alexander Holtz has been traded. There’s a new big dog in Anton Silayev in the mix. It’s time to re-rank the Devils’ prospect pool.
Elsewhere, did Colorado miss out on the opportunity to host the NHL Draft? Dominik Hasek critical of Pavel Datsyuk’s Hockey Hall-of-Fame nomination. And, Philly is hoping Jamie Drysdale was worth the squeeze.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils News
New Jersey Hockey Now: It seems that no one is buying the Devils’ 2023-24 season. Despite faltering last year after an extremely successful 2022-23, the Devils remain a favorite to ascend in the standings in 2024-25 and re-emerge as a playoff threat. That likely has a lot to do with superstar forward Jack Hughes.
More NJHN: Part of the hype surrounding the Devils’ anticipated comeback in 2024-25 is Sheldon Keefe being named the 31st head coach in franchise history. It’s true that the Devils went through quite the makeover this summer and are coming back next season significantly stronger. However, a better roster doesn’t necessarily translate to success, as the head coach plays arguably the most important part in making or breaking a team. Entering next season, Keefe sits atop the mountain of the top head coaches.
Even More: With some prospects receiving promotions and an influx of new talent via the NHL Draft, it’s a good time to rank the Devils’ top-25 prospects. Here’s 25-21.
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The Athletic ($): The Columbus Blue Jackets are the last standing team without a head coach. Here’s the latest on what’s going on with the search.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Development is a central tenant of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ownership by Fenway Sports Group. Not only is FSG finally developing the arena district, including the lower Hill District, but the ownership and the new front office, led by president of hockey operation/GM Kyle Dubas, are plowing money and resources into player development.
Colorado Hockey Now: This year’s NHL Draft at The Sphere in Las Vegas was incredible. From the visuals to the celebrities, it was perfect for the league, and if really was the last NHL Draft at a central location, they went out on top. I mean, is it even possible for the league to top Montreal bringing out Celine Dion to make their selection? I’m very much against the idea of decentralizing the draft, but it sounds like that’s the way things are heading. If that does indeed happen, fans of the Colorado Avalanche might miss out.
Philly Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers don’t know what they have yet with Jamie Drysdale. But, they know they need him to be a big piece of the rebuilding puzzle moving forward.
Detroit Hockey Now: Former Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek is also speaking about Datsyuk’s Hall of Fame status, and let’s just say he’s tempering his excitement level. The timing of Datsyuk’s Hall of Fame appointment that causing disillusionment for Hasek.
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