Here's a recap of the latest Devils' news and notes.
NEWARK, N.J. -- It is the most wonderful time of the year. The temperature is beginning to drop, Halloween decorations are out for purchase, and rookie tournaments are being played throughout the league.
While New Jersey Devils veterans enjoy their last days of freedom before training camp, the organization's prospects are in Buffalo, NY, participating in the 2023 Prospects Challenge. Below is a recap of some of the biggest headlines from the past few days.
New Jersey Devils Headlines
- Forward Nate Bastian served as a special correspondent on the red carpet for the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 12. Fans can find a condensed video of Bastian's celebrity interviews here. The Kitchener native spoke to Fresh x Reckless, Peso Pluma, and Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark.
- Speaking of the VMA's, plenty of Devils were in attendance, including Nico Hischier, Dougie Hamilton, Tyler Toffoli, Michael McLeod, Dawson Mercer, Jonas Siegenthaler, Tyce Thompson, Timo Meier, and John Marino.
- Jack Hughes was a recent guest on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek. He spoke about his postseason experience and called Dougie Hamilton's OT goal in Game 3 versus the Rangers the year's biggest goal.
"We went down 0-2, then (Dougie's overtime goal) like (the) biggest goal the year because if we lose that, we're down 0-3 and we're done," said Hughes. "Game 4, we take it to them. Game 5, we take it to them. Game 6, we're like, "Alright, let's go, we're gonna beat them, they're down and out." Game Six, they dominate us. Game 7, (the) Colorado (Avalanche) played the night before and lost to Seattle. Everyone's like, anything is possible (regarding our game), and then we played a great Game 7."
- The Devils are in the midst of the 2023 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, NY. They dropped their first two games to the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres, earning a 0-2-0 record. New Jersey will play their final game of the tournament on Monday, Sept. 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Haula Throws Ceremonial Pitch at Mets Game
Erik Haula threw a ceremonial first pitch at the New York Mets Hockey Night, alongside ex-Devil and current New York Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey and New York Islanders winger Cal Clutterbuck.
According to Islanders reporter Cory Wright, Haula tossed the ball with Clutterbuck to get warmed up before the first pitch. The Devils winger exchanged jerseys with Mets pitcher David Peterson, and naturally, his son Henrik was in attendance, hanging around on the field with his dad before the first pitch was thrown.
David Clarkson Makes Rare Appearance in N.J.
Former fan favorite David Clarkson returned to New Jersey last week for the fourth annual MB30 Invitational Golf Tournament at Plainfield Country Club. He joined other Devils alums and former teammates Travis Zajac, Colin White, and Bryce Salvador.
The MB30 Invitational was first held in 2019 and "benefits the Devils Care Foundation. In addition to aiding a good cause and helping to enrich the lives of New Jersey's youth.
"It's going to give us the opportunity to help the youth around New Jersey," said Brodeur in 2019. "With the help of our sponsors and the people attending this event, we hope to raise a good amount of money to be able to make a big difference."
Clarkson was part of the Devils organization for seven seasons, earning 170 points (97 goals, 73 assists) in 426 games. During the team's run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012, the winger earned 12 points in 24 games.
In Case You Missed It
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- Devils Announce 2023 Prospects Challenge Roster: Everything You Need to Know
- Devils Sign Goaltender Keith Kinkaid to One-Year Contract
- GOTTA SEE IT: Recharge in Valais with Devils' Nico Hischier
- Devils Rookie Camp: Prospects Challenge Game 1 Recap
- Devils Rookie Camp: Prospects Challenge Game 2 Recap
- Devils' Bratt Opens About His Mental Skills Coach's Positive Influence
- Devils Offseason Moves: Nosek Signs with New Jersey
- Devils Training Camp: 10 Storylines to Watch, Including Holtz and Schmid
- Switzerland Travel Diaries: A Collaboration with Switzerland Tourism
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- Switzerland Travel Diaries: Behind the Scenes with Devils' Nico Hischier
- Switzerland Travel Diaries: Alpine Canyon
Around the Metropolitan Division
- The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that Mike Babcock has resigned as their head coach less than three months after taking the job. Pascal Vincent has been named interim coach.
"This was a difficult decision on everyone's part, but one we felt necessary to ensure our focus remains on the players and the team's upcoming season," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. "On behalf of the entire Blue Jackets organization, we want to thank Mike for his hard work and the professionalism he has shown in working together on a plan to step down."