OPINION: Three Questions That Devils' Head Coach Sheldon Keefe Needs to Answer

NEWARK, N.J. -- The Sheldon Keefe era is underway.

After Keefe handled his introductory media availability on May 28, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald again takes center stage with the approaching 2024 NHL Draft, followed by free agency.

Keefe explained he does not get involved in player personnel, leaving that up to his general manager and focuses on his roster.

"My job is to make the best of the group that we have here," he said. "Tom and his team will be extremely committed to putting the best team possible on the ice."

New Jersey is expected to be active this summer, and the current roster listed on their website can look vastly different by mid-July. That said, Keefe has questions to answer, especially about his talented forward group.

1. Where Does Ondrej Palat Fit in the Lineup?

It is no secret that Devils fans have not been overly impressed with Ondrej Palat's on-ice performance since he signed his five-year, $30 million contract in 2022.

During his end-of-season media availability, Palat said he needs to be better.

"Obviously, not a great year," he said. "Not a lot of points, but like I said, I am not judging my season on points. I am judging it on if I am working hard enough, winning battles, and if I'm setting an example for the group. I thought I did okay, not great. There is room for improvement, and hopefully, I will be better next year."

Palat was utilized up and down the lineup in 2023-24. He concluded the season on the third line with Shane Bowers or Tomas Nosek as his center. He sporadically saw time on the first line and showed a bit of chemistry playing with Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt.

There is no denying that he is valued in the locker room and among his teammates, but Keefe needs to figure out where Palat belongs in the lineup. Is he a top-six forward, or will he continue to be used as a $6 million dollar third-line checker?

2. Is There Anything He Can Do to Help Alexander Holtz Get to the Next Level?

It was a difficult season for Alexander Holtz. He averaged 11 minutes on the ice, predominantly playing a bottom-six role. Off the ice, he garnered media attention, which led to his general manager having to address the young Swede's performance.

"He has not had a good year. I don't believe it's because he's been on the fourth line," Fitzgerald said in March. "The core values you have as a player – strong on walls, puck play, puck management, are you turning pucks over, can you be better in certain situations. It's not about goals… It's the other areas, the game within the game, which I say a lot, it matters. Managing the lines and turnovers. Those areas have to be way better."

At 22 years old, Holtz could be on the move this summer in a trade, but if he starts the season in New Jersey, one has to wonder if Keefe is the guy to help Holtz's development and get him to the next level.

3. Which Players Can Make Up the Team's Energy Line?

One thing that was missing this season among New Jersey's forward group was the energetic "BMW Line."

The trio, which consisted of Nathan Bastian, Michael McLeod, and Miles Wood, played with speed, physicality, and determination. They found success together and, at times, were the Devil's most impactful line.

Now, only Bastian remains. There is an argument that Curtis Lazar could slot in when the group is healthy, playing wing or center, leaving one spot open.

Fitzgerald is looking to add grit to his forward group, recently telling The Atheltic, "We're a little too vanilla upfront." 

Recapturing the magic of the "BMW Line" should be a priority for Keefe when examining the team's offense.