Yahoo Sports INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: Who Is The Prankster In The New Jersey Devils Locker Room?
Throughout my studies of journalism, I can confidently say investigative journalism was never something that interested me, as it has been decades since I wanted to be a member of Mystery Inc. with Scooby Doo.
These days, I am much more content asking questions over a Raclette dinner surrounded by the Swiss Alps or sitting in a locker room talking with a hockey player dripping sweat after a hard practice, whichever opportunity presents itself.
A few weeks into the season, I chatted with New Jersey Devils rookie defenseman Seamus Casey. I asked the then-20-year-old who the prankster was on the team, not realizing what I was about to get myself into.
With a laugh, he carefully looked around the room and provided three names: Paul Cotter, Stefan Noesen, and Nathan Bastian.
"Those guys are just hilarious," Casey said. "If a prank were to be pulled, you would want them pulling it. ...They are not missing."
Nov 12, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; New Jersey Devils center Paul Cotter (47) celebrates after scoring against the Florida Panthers during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Lucky for me, days later, I did a one-on-one interview with Bastian and asked him about his new title.
"Prankster? I'm not a prankster," he said.
An investigation was clearly on the horizon, and in the spirit of transparency, below is a transcription of my conversation with the 6-foot-4 winger.
The Hockey News: If you're not, then, in your mind, who is the prankster in the room?
Bastian: Jonas Siegenthaler. He is a big prankster.
THN: No.
Bastian: Yeah!
THN: No, he's not.
Bastian: He is the biggest. Honestly!
THN: Wait, he has pulled them before?
Bastian: I mean, to me, he has. He is the biggest jokester.
THN: Really?
Bastian: I'm not kidding! He is the funniest guy on the team.
THN: ...Siegenthaler?
Bastian: I swear. I'm not kidding! Ask Nico (Hischier) the same question.
May 3, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Nathan Bastian (14) celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
As days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, I reignited my investigation, and Curtis Lazar became my next witness.
"It is not really that we got a bunch of pranksters," he said. "It is more that Seamus was an easy target."
Excellent point from the veteran.
I can now confirm that no player in the Devils' locker room is at the caliber of known NHL prankster Marc-André Fleury.
"We are not that level yet, but we will see," Lazar said with a smile. "Every day is a new opportunity."
While he agreed that Noesen is a good choice because he usually has his hand in everything and that Cotter is pretty funny, the wheels started turning when I revealed what his linemate said about the Swiss defenseman.
"I like that a lot, actually," Lazar said as he leaned back in his stall with a satisfied look on his face. "Yeah, you are never safe with him.
"Siegenthaler, he is low-key and undercover; I will give him that."
It sounds like I really need to talk to New Jersey's captain.
With my husband's suggestion, I have decided to turn my investigation into a mini-series as I continue to take you along with me. The next segment will be out soon!
Leave a comment below telling me if you are shocked that Siegenthaler is (at this time) the team prankster.
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