Melovsky, Analytics & Hearing from Seamus Casey
Plus, a look at the things that went wrong last season, and more!
Welcome to the THW New Jersey Devils Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our Devils writers.
Devils Are Addressing Everything That Went Wrong in 2023-24
July 13, 2024 by Donnah Campbell
Before the 2023-24 season began, the New Jersey Devils were the team to watch in the Metropolitan Division, following a gritty Stanley Cup Playoff run the year before. Armed with both Jack and Luke Hughes, and led by 2022-23 Selke finalist Nico Hischier, fans awaited what they believed would be the best year of Devils hockey yet. However, following an undefeated preseason, the team went on to have one of the most disappointing seasons to date. Let’s take a look at everything that went wrong for the Devils last season, as well as what the organization has done to correct these issues.
Devils’ Seamus Casey Says All the Right Things After Offseason Moves
July 12, 2024 by Daniel Amoia
Many signs point to Seamus Casey becoming a stud in the NHL. However, with so much young defensive talent on the New Jersey Devils roster, it’s difficult to see where he fits for the 2024-25 season. At 20 years old, Casey is handling the upcoming training camp with the mindset of a veteran. This became evident when The Hockey Writers spoke to both Casey and Utica Comets head coach Kevin Dineen.
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Devils Analytics Department Keeping Up With Sports Trends
July 12, 2024 by Erica Rosenbaum
The New Jersey Devils organization has been open and honest about their reliance on hockey analytics to make decisions. Now, other NHL teams are following suit and strengthening their data and analytics departments. The hockey world saw the death of a beloved site, CapFriendly, when the Washington Capitals purchased the public site for private use. Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan explained the purchase would “significantly enhance and integrate the various branches of our hockey operations department, allowing us to strengthen our management, scouting, analytics and player development, in addition to augmenting our salary cap and contractual applications” (from ‘CapFriendly officially shutters website for public use after being purchased by Washington Capitals,’ RMNB, 7/10/24).
Devils’ 6th-Round Pick Matyas Melovsky Could Be a Hidden Gem
July 9, 2024 by Daniel Amoia
Matyas Melovsky was used to disappointment. Two seasons ago, he was injured while playing for his Czech U20 team (HC Vitkovice), missed three months, and failed to make the playoffs. He went undrafted. He then came to North America to play for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the (former) Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he scored just six goals in 69 games and went undrafted again.
Devils Should Keep an Eye on Ehlers, McGroarty, and Sturm
July 9, 2024 by Josh Reinitz
The New Jersey Devils faced an uncertain future less than ten days ago. They were entering the NHL Draft and free agency following a season of cascading disappointments after setting team highs in wins and points just a year before. General manager Tom Fitzgerald had already checked off the top two needs on his to-do list with Sheldon Keefe’s hiring and Jacob Markstrom‘s acquisition. Still, he knew those moves would only be the start if he were to remake his team into a real contender.
