Sheldon Keefe (© Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/74063475-91d4-40d3-ad28-04d57b67df06.jpeg] Sheldon Keefe (© Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images) While speaking with reporters on May 8, New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils] head coach Sheldon Keefe had a powerful message for the team. The Devils' bench boss made it abundantly clear that he expects the team to hit another level after taking a step forward during the 2024-25 campaign. "We took steps this season, without question," Keefe said [https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/fitzgerald-keefe-press-conference-transcript-5-8-25]. "My message to a lot of the guys is, there's a foundation here now, but when I look at it, to me, we finished 16 out of 32 teams in the regular season. That’s average, and we’re not here to be average. We wanna be better." After missing the playoffs in 2023-24, the Devils [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLQgKIidDQklTRndnTWFoTUtFWFJvWldodlkydGxlVzVsZDNNdVkyOXRLQUFQAQ/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwpeDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA:en] finished this campaign third in the Metropolitan Division with a 42-33-7 record. Overall, it was a nice step in the right direction, but they also finished 16th in the NHL standings and got knocked out in the first round in just five games by the Carolina Hurricanes. Thus, it is understandable that Keefe has higher expectations for the club moving forward. The Devils undoubtedly have the potential to blossom into legitimate contenders, especially when noting that they have a great core consisting of Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Luke Hughes, Jacob Markstrom, and Timo Meier. However, management has some work to do to improve the team's depth, and Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald has confirmed [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/devils-gm-provides-big-update-about-next-seasons-roster] that the team will sport a different roster next season because of it. Nevertheless, it is going to be very intriguing to see if Keefe can lead the Devils to new heights next season. Clearly, he is very motivated and has high expectations for the team. Recent Devils News Devils Goalie Could Be Popular Target This Summer [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5582c305-9d64-410f-8070-52b2a377cea4.jpeg] Devils Goalie Could Be Popular Target This Summer The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> are entering the off-season with several pending free agents. Goaltender Jake Allen is undoubtedly among their most notable ones, as the veteran had a strong 2024-25 season with the Metropolitan Division club. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/devils-goalie-could-be-popular-target-this-summer] Should The Devils Re-Sign Nathan Bastian? [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/db35b2b2-1cbb-4b9e-ad6c-d6aaa31d8fe4.jpeg] Should The Devils Re-Sign Nathan Bastian? The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> have several pending free agents this off-season. Among the bunch is forward Nathan Bastian, who just completed the two-year, $2.7 million contract he signed with New Jersey during the 2023 NHL off-season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/should-the-devils-re-sign-nathan-bastian] New Jersey Devils Sign Top Forward Prospect [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fb6c3d38-9ead-4900-947a-bcdc589ab950.jpeg] New Jersey Devils Sign Top Forward Prospect The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> have made a major move, as they have signed forward Arseni Gritsyuk to a one-year contract for the 2025-26 season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/new-jersey-devils-sign-top-forward-prospect] Devils Winger Gives Sheldon Keefe Big Praise [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/6220a5bd-dfc8-414e-aac3-4d90b4fb5051.jpeg] Devils Winger Gives Sheldon Keefe Big Praise At the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils">New Jersey Devils</a> acquired forward Daniel Sprong from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. The move was understandable, as the Devils needed more forward depth. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/devils-winger-gives-sheldon-keefe-big-praise]
