The New Jersey Devils have hired a new general manager in Sunny Mehta, a day after holding exit meetings following a season where they missed the playoffs. Mehta did not get the title of President of Hockey Operations, but will have final say on all hockey decisions. Those decisions will include how to proceed with head coach Sheldon Keefe, Nico Hischier‘s contract extension, Simon Nemec‘s contract extension, and whether Dougie Hamilton will remain a part of the organization.
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As for Sheldon Keefe, during exit interviews, he was instructed to handle everything as if he were still the head coach. Keefe wants to be part of the solution in New Jersey moving forward.
Sheldon Keefe: “Nothing’s changed in that regard since we spoke last. Now that the season’s completed, I’m sure there’ll be a process here, a chance for some discussion, and we’ll see where that goes. I don’t have an expectation at this point, other than I just got to continue to do my job, which I’ve been directed to do, which is to get through the season, to have these discussions with the players, as you normally would have at the end of the season.
I approach it like any other, and we’ll see where things go from here. But can tell you that I want to be part of the solution here, and I believe I can be. I think that my experience in my time here, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned a lot about this team, more importantly, and the players within it and where it needs to go.
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I think I can be a great ally and partner for whoever does come in here, and I think I have a good sense of the team and where we need to improve upon on the ice as well. So between the personalities and the systems and the tactics and all these kind of things that go into building a team, I know I’m in a far better position now than I was when I first came in here two seasons ago.
So to that end, I’m hopeful that I’ll have an opportunity, and we’ll be passionate about trying to remain here, but that’s out of my control. And the organization will make the decision when they seem fit.”
So Sheldon Keefe understands this is a business. He will be part of the evaluation process as Mehta settles into his new role.
Hischier Contract Extension
There was a big to-do about nothing about comments Hischier made about how he is a member of the Devils right now. There should be no panic, as the Devils stated that he loved being in New Jersey and that he’ll talk when the new person is hired.
“I love it in New Jersey, and obviously, I think when we see who’s coming in, I’m sure we’ll talk with each other, and we’ll go from there,” Hischier said.
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This is priority one for Sunny Mehta. It will be interesting to see how long the deal lasts.
Future of Nemec
As far as Nemec goes, we know he was unhappy with how he was handled last year. Conflicting reports about whether or not he wanted a trade last season. It appears the Devils tried to move him this year for a top-six forward. He could be open to a change of scenery. But as far as talks go, there haven’t been any.
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“Simon Nemec says he would love to sign in New Jersey, but his team has not talked about a contract yet. We are waiting for a new GM and knows there will be changes this summer.”
It will be interesting to see how Nemec fits into Sunny Mehta’s team-building.
One last item about the New Jersey Devils. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton politely declined to speak to the media. Speculation will continue about whether Hamilton has played his final game as a member of the Devils.
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