Toffoli's Goal Surge Leads Devils
Devils are getting much needed contributions from Toffoli, Bratt & Haula in the absence of Hughes
Welcome to the THW New Jersey Devils Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our Devils writers.
In today’s edition, we feature articles about the leadership of Jesper Bratt and Erik Haula, Tyler Toffoli living up to expectations, the 2018 WJC Scandal costs the Devils two players, Tom Fitzgerald speaking to the media, our 5(ish) Questions with Curtis Lazar and much more; please share this free substack with your hockey and Devils fan friends and family so they can subscribe and enjoy all the latest.
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Now on to the good stuff….
Bratt and Haula Providing Devils with Leadership Amid Injuries
January 26, 2024, by Josh Reinitz
Creating a winning team is much like creating a delicious casserole. Any cook can follow the recipe when the pantry is fully stocked, but what separates the amateur from the professional is how one can construct the meal when ingredients are unavailable. Like an award-winning chef, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald was wise enough to stock his pantry with a broad array of talent to be able to put a good product on the ice still, even if he was missing some ingredients.
When two-time Stanley Cup champion Ondrej Palat signed as a free agent, he told the media that he was coming from a team where it seemed all the players had children of their own to a team where many of the players were not far removed from being kids themselves. Over the past few years, Fitzgerald has transformed a young, talented team lacking in experience into a well-balanced group of players with multiple leaders and leadership styles. He proactively sought out veteran leaders like Palat, Brendan Smith, Erik Haula, and Tyler Toffoli to supplement his young core.
Devils’ McLeod and Foote Granted Leave of Absences
January 24, 2024, by Daniel Amoia
New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote are now two of four NHL players who have been granted a leave of absence from their team. It is unclear if this is related to the recent news regarding Hockey Canada’s sexual assault allegations. This morning (Jan. 24), The Globe and Mail reported that five former members of Team Canada’s 2018 World Juniors squad were told to surrender to police in London, Ontario to face charges of sexual assault (from ‘Five members of 2018 Canadian junior hockey team to face sexual assault charges,’ The Globe and Mail, January 24, 2022). This appears to be the culmination of a 20-month-long investigation by the London police department.
Tyler Toffoli Has Been as Advertised for the Devils
January 24, 2024 by Neil Villapiano
When the New Jersey Devils acquired Tyler Toffoli from the Calgary Flames this past offseason, there were certainly a lot of expectations put upon him. Coming off a career year in goals (34) and points (73) in 2022-23, the entire Devils brass expected him to produce similar numbers. He’s certainly had his fair share of struggles, including a most recent six-game goal-less streak. On top of that, with the recent success of Yegor Sharangovich, who was dealt to the Flames in the Toffoli trade, many fans had been questioning whether or not the move was right for New Jersey. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that Toffoli has been as advertised and is stepping up for this New Jersey squad.
5(ish) Questions With Devils Defenseman Colin Miller
January 10, 2024, by Josh Reinitz (Premium Content)
Colin Miller is coming off his best offensive game as a New Jersey Devil, having scored his first two goals on Saturday night against Vancouver. After the game when asked about breaking through on the scoresheet, Miller said, “That’s sort of how it goes, you don’t score for a while then you get a couple, it was certainly nice to see some go in.”
Now for our exclusive Q&A with Colin Miller:
THW: It’s gotta be fun for you to get back in games; for fans who haven't seen you play much other than last night, what can they expect?
CM: I see my role as to provide stability, I think that, you know, we have seven great defensemen on this team, but you know, I want to be available to play in all situations and just help out wherever I can.
THW: Favorite city on the road to visit?
Devils’ GM Fitzgerald Addresses Goaltending & More
January 23, 2024 by Daniel Amoia
This morning (Jan. 23), New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald received a multi-year contract extension. In addition, he was promoted to become the team’s President of Hockey Operations while still retaining his GM title.
Despite some struggles and injury woes, this signifies the organization’s strong belief in Fitzgerald to evaluate the roster as necessary and continue to build a championship-caliber team.
At 5:45 PM ET, co-managing partner David Blitzer addressed the media along with Fitzgerald.
Blitzer: “Tom has taken his time. This was built to last. It’s the system, the people, the culture…Watching Tom grow, himself and the organization. One important trait of a great leader is someone hiring great people around him.”
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