Six Random Devils Thoughts Since Training Camp Opened

The New Jersey Devils officially have just one game left in the preseason before they get on a plane and head to Prague. Well, the NHL squad does, anyway. That means that training camp is coming to an end and the 2024-25 regular season will be here soon.

It’s been a quick turnaround from rookies reporting, to veterans, and now the preseason. There’s been plenty to observe and a lot to be excited for, disappointed with, and wonder about.

Therefore, here’s six random thought’s or observations I’ve noticed since day one of on-ice activities.

Brenden Dillon’s Slap-shot

Did you see the clapper that defenseman Brenden Dillon unloaded on Wednesday? Dillon opened the scoring against the Washington Capitals with one of the more powerful slap shots I’ve seen in a long time.

Last season, Dillon netted a career-high eight goals with the Winnipeg Jets, who are a very defensive-minded team.

Now, I’m not suggesting Dillon is going to turn into a two-way, puck moving defenseman who steals power play one minutes. But, on a more offensively inclined Devils team, could that goal total hit double digits? Even just two more goals for a total of 10 from Dillon would be huge this season.

Seamus Casey’s Preparedness

I know we’re talking about Seamus Casey again. But, it’s hard to overlook.

Casey isn’t going to take a roster spot from one of Luke Hughes or Brett Pesce when they return. However, he’s showing more and more that he very well may be ready for the NHL.

READ: Seamus Casey Impresses Devils Superstar & Coach in Roster Spot Bid

Of course, he needs a larger sample of work, and I’m intrigued to see if he plays with what Keefe called “the full lineup” tomorrow night on Long Island.

At this point, if Casey Does stick, it’s because he’s proven he belongs. He’s waiver eligible, so perhaps that’s the only reason to send him to the minors. But, if he makes the Devils better, it’s hard not to keep him.

Sheldon Keefe’s Accountability

The Devils’ head coach is already much more demanding than what New Jersey’s locker room is probably used to. Sheldon Keefe showing his displeasure with a preseason effort is something that a previous regime might not have done before.

In years past, perhaps the head coach would have given a coaches response that it was just preseason, and they still need to find their legs. However, Keefe has run a tough training camp, emphasizing work ethic and “sprinting” on every shift.

He called out his best players, regardless of the fact that it was their first game of the preseason together. And that, my friends, is accountability.

“If you’re not going to play hard, you’re going to have defensive breakdowns. It’s as simple as that,” said Keefe.

Brett Pesce’s Status

The Brett Pesce situation is certainly puzzling. Look, when a defenseman of his caliber is on the market and is interested in your team, you sign him.

The Devils also knew, as did everyone else, that Pesce was injured and required surgery after suffering an injury in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the “week-to-week” diagnosis was unexpected. Especially given the fact that when Pesce signed, he said he, “should be good to go by [training] camp, for sure.”

I’m not going to declare him out for Prague myself, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s where we end up.

Jack Hughes’ Durability

Jack Hughes is fine now, so don’t get all worried. However, in the game on Wednesday, Hughes got tangled up in a Washington defender and then hobbled off the ice with a slight limp.

He stayed on the bench and in the game. In fact, he didn’t even miss a shift. The good news is it wasn’t his shoulder. Even better news is that he stayed in the game. But, man, it’s certainly not fun to hold your breath every single time he makes contact.

It was just his first game on Wednesday, but against a three-quarter Capitals team, I expected him to take over. Instead, he looked disengaged and not like the player who scored 45 points in 31 games before injury last season.

It’s likely he was just getting in his reps to test out his shoulder. But, the Devils NEED a healthy Jack and for Jack to do Jack things.

Can Hughes avoid injury this year and turn in an 82-game season?

Nathan Bastian, Elite?

There’s been a lot of hype regarding the newly formed “Meat Line” which resides on the Devils’ fourth line. Justifiably so, as Curtis Lazar, Paul Cotter, and Nathan Bastian have certainly helped create and harness the energy for their team thus far.

There’s been a lot of hype for Cotter, who has so far displayed not only a willingness to work hard and be physical, but he has a set of hands and some offensive touch. As for Lazar, everyone knows he’s never going to take a shift off. He does all the little things you want your fourth line center to do, and then some.

But how about Bastian? Well, it certainly seems like the 26-year-old forward is healthy. In fact, he’s not only been the most consistent on his line. He’s been one of the most consistent on the Devils period.

It’s only been two games, but Bastian has accrued an excellent 69.44 CF%, 61.22 xGF%, a positive 9-6 scoring chance differential, and six of those chances for were high danger as opposed to allowing two.

Now, I’m not suggesting Bastian is going to serve at this clip all season, and of course we’re joking when we say “elite.” However, all signs point to a healthy Bastian playing just as effectively as he did in 2022-23.

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