Devils Daily: Labanc Expectations; Crosby, Raymond Extend

The New Jersey Devils did not go undefeated in the Prospect Challenge, falling to the Boston Bruins rookies 6-4 on Monday. Regardless, it was an impressive trio of games for the Devils rookies who look far different than they used to when they were once considered a top prospect pool in the NHL. Sheldon Keefe and Kevin Dineen had the rookies prepared to put the work in. Now, the hope is that same ethic makes it’s way to the veterans when they report on Wednesday.

In the links, what to expect from Kevin Labanc from those who know him well.

Plus, a fourth player inks a PTO contract with the Devils.

Elsewhere, major contract extensions for Pittsburgh and Detroit, Philly’s goaltending prospect has a steep trade price, and the San Jose youth is looking quite good.

Let’s do that hockey.

Devils News

New Jersey Hockey Now: So now that his PTO is official, what can the Devils expect of Kevin Labanc? New Jersey Hockey Now reached out to one of his trainers and a San Jose Sharks reporter who watched him over the last four seasons. (+)

More NJHN: The Devils will now have four players on PTO at training camp starting this Wednesday, including defenseman Andy Welenski who inked a PTO with Labanc yesterday.

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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Yesterday, we had a couple of big extensions break. One announced earlier on Monday morning and the other much later in the day.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sure, it was later than expected, but you know what they say. Better late than never. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension that will kick in on July 1st, 2025. If you’re wondering what the AAV is, it’s fairly obvious.

Detroit Hockey Now: And in the Motor City, one of the Detroit Red Wings two big name restricted free-agents finally put pen to paper. Lucas Raymond signed an eight-year contract extension to remain in Detroit on Monday.

San Jose Hockey Now: It’s just the rookie faceoff. But boy oh boy do the San Jose Sharks rookies look good. They’re wiping the floor with the competition which should have Sharks fans excited about the future.

Philly Hockey Now: With Alexei Kolosov still M.I.A. and training camp just days away, the Philadelphia Flyers trade rumors have commenced. According to one NHL insider, the ask for the Flyers prospect goaltender is steep.

Forever Blueshirts: No matter how prepared a team feel they might be, they should always be prepared with a contingency plan. Are the rival New York Rangers prepared for the possibility of another stint on the injured reserve for Filip Chytil?

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