Devils' Tomas Tatar: 'A Tremendous Teammate'
New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe commended Tomas Tatar for being a tremendous teammate and putting the team before himself.
Nov 10, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Tomas Tatar (90) before a game against the San Jose Sharks at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images - Devils' Tomas Tatar: 'A Tremendous Teammate'A tremendous teammate.
That is the first thing New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said when asked about Tomas Tatar.
Beginning the season on a line with Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer, the veteran winger saw his ice time fluctuate as he found a home on the fourth line over the past couple of weeks.
Through November, he has averaged a little under 10 minutes of ice time per game, five minutes less than he averaged in his first stint with New Jersey.
Tatar's role has changed, but instead of focusing on his own wants and ego, the 33-year-old prioritizes his team.
"I think you should always put the team first," Tatar told The Hockey News in October. "If you are required to do maybe a different job than you thought you would be doing, for the sake of the team, especially when they are doing well, you should adapt."
His selfless attitude has caught the attention of his head coach, Sheldon Keefe.
"I think he just gets it," Keefe said of Tatar. "He is all about the team. He has great confidence in (himself) and feels like he has more to offer the team and can take on a bigger role if provided, but at the same time, he has embraced what we have given him and hasn't changed his demeanor or his attitude every day."
Tatar previously told The Hockey News that it is not always easy when a player's vision and desired role do not align with the coaching staff's, but ultimately, the two points are more important.
"I feel like every player just wants to win," Tatar continued. "You should (be able to) adapt to a new role."
Despite playing on the fourth line, the winger's attitude has remained unchanged.
"He is a very positive guy," Keefe said. "The experience that he has and the presence that he has gives him great confidence in his own ability, but also confidence to speak and communicate well with his teammates and coaches."
In the Devils' last game against the Washington Capitals, Tatar scored a goal and earned a primary assist on Brenden Dillon's first goal of the season. It was his second two-point game of the season.
Through three games against the Capitals this season, the 33-year-old has five points.
Whether jumping over the boards during a game or working on drills at practice, Tatar's upbeat demeanor is always on display. His ability to adapt and put his ego aside has made him a favorite in the locker room and has put him in a favorable light with his new head coach.
"I have been really impressed with him in terms of how committed he is to the team."
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