Yahoo Sports Devils 2024 Training Camp: Roster, Schedule & Storylines
NEWARK, N.J. -- On Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils officially opened training camp with team media and physicals. On Thursday, the club will hit the ice for the first time under new head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Below is the Devils training camp roster, schedule, and storylines to follow as things get underway at Prudential Center in Newark.
Training Camp Roster
Forwards: Nathan Bastian, Adam Beckman, Tag Bertuzzi, Shane Bowers, Jesper Bratt, Cole Brown, Paul Cotter, Justin Dowling, Filip Engaras, Josh Filmon, Nolan Foote, Joe Gambardella, Andre Ghantous, Max Graham, Brian Halonen, Mike Hardman, Erik Haula, Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Jace Isley, Samuel Laberge, Curtis Lazar, Nathan Legare, Kurtis MacDermid, Jack Malone, Matyas Melovsky, Timo Meier, Stefan Noesen, Ondrej Palat, Xavier Parent, Kevin O'Neil, Kasper Pikkarainen, Ryan Schmelzer, Landon Sim, Cam Squires, Chase Stillman, Tomas Tatar, Dylan Wendt, and Max Willman.
Defensemen: Seamus Casey, Nick DeSimone, Brenden Dillon, Mikael Diotte, Dougie Hamilton, Santeri Hatakka, Luke Hughes, Johnathan Kovacevic, Will MacKinnon, Igor Mburanumwe, Daniil Misyul, Simon Nemec, Brett Pesce, Jonas Siegenthaler, Spencer Sova, Jackson Van De Leest, Topias Vilen, and Colton White.
Goaltenders: Jake Allen, Tyler Brennan, Jeremy Brodeur, Nico Daws, Jacob Markstrom, Zach Pelletier, and Isaac Poulter.
Players on Professional Tryouts: Kevin Labanc (forward), Andy Welinski (defenseman), Jakub Zboril (defenseman), and Michael Hutchinson (goaltender).
Injured Players: Luke Hughes (shoulder injury) and Josh Filmon (upper-body injury).
**Dawson Mercer is not at training camp as a new contract has not been signed. His agent and general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, continue to work towards a new deal.
Oct 12, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (35) makes a save on New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer (91) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Training Camp Schedule
Thursday:
10:10 AM: Practice Group 3
11:00 AM: Practice Group 1
1:10 PM: Practice Group 4
2:00 PM: Practice Group 2
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and Head Coach Sheldon Keefe will meet with the media at approximately 3:00 PM.
Friday:
10:00 AM: Practice Group 1
11:00 AM: Scrimmage Groups 1 and 2
12:05 PM: Practice Group 2
2:00 PM: Practice Group 3
Saturday:
10:15 AM: Practice Group 1
1:00 PM: Practice Group 2
2:30 PM: Practice Group 3
Sunday:
10:30 AM: Morning Skate
7:00 PM: Devils vs. Islanders Preseason Game 1
Training Camp Storylines
1. Which Defenseman Will Step Up in the Absence of Luke Hughes?
The Devils open training camp with a big opportunity for one defenseman. There is an unexpected opening on the blue line with Hughes out with a shoulder injury. Fitzgerald has previously referenced Kovacevic as his seventh defenseman. Will he transition into Luke's spot, or can DeSimone, Hatakka, or White impress the coaching staff and force their hand?
2. Can Labanc Make an Impact?
Labanc has played close to 500 games in the NHL. At his best, he was a top-line winger who earned a career-high 56 points in 2018-19. Now, he is looking for a fresh start and will focus on earning a contract with New Jersey.
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3. Which Wingers Will Play Alongside Hischier and Hughes?
It will be interesting to see how Keefe will line up his players for the start of the season. It is no secret that Hischier and Hughes will be the team's top two centers, but who will play on their wings? Bratt and Meier are a lock for either the first or second line, but two spots could be up for grabs. Keefe has a few players he can swap in and out, including Palat, Tatar, and Mercer, when a new contract is signed. Could the coaching staff reunite Meier and Labanc on Hischier's line in Mercer's absence for a scrimmage or preseason game?
4. How Quickly Can the Devils Adapt to Keefe's System?
A new coach means a new system and style of play. Every player, whether they have been in New Jersey for seven seasons or this is their first, is on the same playing field. The Devils don't have much time to work out the kinks before leaving for Prague, Czechia, for the 2024 NHL Global Series, so let's see how the coaching staff runs camp with a time crunch.
5. How Does Foote Look?
During his end-of-season media availability, Foote revealed that he has been dealing with a lingering back issue for the past four years. The injury limited him to only four games last season. The 23-year-old shared that he would adjust his offseason training, incorporating the rehab he completed in New Jersey through the team's medical staff. If healthy, Foote will be an intriguing player to watch.
Related: Devils Q&A: Curtis Lazar Talks About Life in New Jersey
Related: 13 Rapid-Fire Questions With Devils' Captain Nico Hischier
