Here's a recap of the latest Devils' news and notes from this week.
Here's a recap of the latest Devils' news and notes from this week.
NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald continues to go through his summer to-do list as he re-signed veteran Erik Haula to a three-year contract on June 23.
He has a big week, including the 2023 NHL Entry Draft and free agency. Let's look at the biggest headlines of the past week.
New Jersey Devils Headlines
- Haula's contract has an annual average value of $3,150,000. The contract breakdown is as follows: 2023-24 season: $3,900,000, 2024-25 season: $3,150,000, and 2025-26 season: $2,400,000.
- In a recent article by The Athletic, it was reported that Fitzgerald is taking calls on 25-year-old Yegor Sharangovich, stating, "The Devils may not be able to afford him, especially as they continue to try to sign Timo Meier to an eight-year contract." (from 'NHL offseason trade board 3.0: How a Flames firesale could impact the market — plus all the latest rumblings', The Athletic, Jun 24, 2023).
- The Devils found Andrew Brunette's replacement earlier this week. Travis Green was officially introduced as the team's new associate coach. During his introductory media availability, he spoke about New Jersey checking off a lot of boxes, including working with great people citing head coach Lindy Ruff and Fitzgerald.
The Latest on Connor Hellebuyck
According to The Athletic, the Devils are showing interest in Connor Hellebuyck. The 30-year-old is set to become a UFA next July and carries an average annual value of about $6.167 million. The latest report is, "They may be willing to do the deal without an extension, but that would lessen the package the Jets would get back."
Some believe the Devils should pursue the netminder, while others are confident entering the 2023-24 season with a goaltending tandem of Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid. When asked about his goaltending situation during his end-of-season media availability, Fitzgerald spoke highly of his goaltenders.
"We got above-average goaltending," he said. "I thought (Vanecek) had a really good year; he won us a lot of games. (Schmid) came in and showed the promise and the poise in his game to give us promise moving forward. ...I was actually real happy with our goaltending this season."
This remains a story to watch as significant changes are expected in Winnipeg this summer.
Around the Metropolitan Division
- As my colleague Jason Newland reported, the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed 25-year-old forward Carson Meyer to a one-year deal. The contract will be a one-year, two-way contract for the 23-24 season.
- Will the New York Islanders move on from Josh Bailey? Stefen Rosner writes that Nashville's trade involving Ryan Johansen and Alex Galchenyuk could open the door for the Nashville Predators to acquire Bailey.
- Peter Laviolette held his first press conference as the head coach of the New York Rangers. My colleague, Jonny Lazarus, breaks down Laviolette's presser in his latest for The Hockey News.
- The Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly trading Kevin Hayes, among other pieces, to the St. Louis Blues. This is a developing story, and Ryan Quigley has the latest.
- The Washington Capitals have a new assistant coach. Mitch Love was hired to join head coach Spencer Carbery's staff. According to reporter Sammi Silber, Love will replace Kevin McCarthy and work primarily with the team's defenseman and join assistant coach Scott Allen and goaltending coach Scott Murray.