Coaching Staff Changes for the New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils have officially completed their coaching roster, bringing significant changes to the team's strategic direction. Head coach Sheldon Keefe has welcomed Jeremy Colliton to the coaching staff, a move aimed at bolstering the team’s performance for the upcoming season.
Tom Fitzgerald, the President and General Manager of the Devils, unveiled the new coaching arrangement on Tuesday. This announcement comes just weeks after Sheldon Keefe left the Toronto Maple Leafs to join the Devils. Keefe's arrival and the subsequent staff changes signify a fresh approach as the team prepares for the new season.
Keefe has opted to retain a majority of the interim coaching staff that served towards the end of the last season. Travis Green, who took over as interim coach following Lindy Ruff’s dismissal in early March, remains a key figure in this setup. This continuity among the coaching staff is expected to create a stable and cohesive environment for the team.
Retained Coaching Staff
The retained assistant coaches—Ryan McGill, Chris Taylor, and Sergei Brylin—along with goaltending coach Dave Rogalski, bring experience and familiarity that is anticipated to contribute positively to the team's performance. The Devils believe that maintaining this core group of coaches will foster stability and enhance team strategy and execution on the ice.
Jeremy Colliton's Background
Jeremy Colliton joins the Devils after coaching the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL for the past two seasons. Under his leadership, the team posted commendable records and made playoff appearances. Colliton also brings valuable experience from his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he served as head coach for parts of four seasons. At the age of 33, he became the NHL’s youngest head coach, leading the Blackhawks to a 87-92-26 record.
Colliton’s coaching journey includes time as the head coach for the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Blackhawks. His international coaching experience in Sweden’s second league from 2013 to 2017 and as the head coach for Team Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics further underscores his capability and depth of knowledge in the sport. Although Team Canada did not secure a medal at the Olympics, Colliton's leadership in stepping in for Claude Julien due to injury was notable.
Playing Career
Before transitioning into coaching, Jeremy Colliton was a professional ice hockey player. Drafted in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, Colliton played as a center. His playing career, spanning six seasons within the Islanders' organization, includes 57 NHL games where he scored three goals and three assists. With a blend of playing and coaching experience, Colliton is considered a valuable addition to the Devils’ coaching staff, known for his ability to nurture talent and foster growth among players.
Strategic Additions for Future Competitions
The Devils aim to make significant strides in the upcoming season with these strategic coaching additions. The organization and its fervent fanbase are keenly observing these changes, hopeful that the new coaching structure will enable the team to compete more vigorously in the NHL. The integration of Colliton, along with the expertise of Keefe, is seen as a powerful combination to propel the Devils to new heights.
As the New Jersey Devils gear up for the new season, the coaching staff, led by Sheldon Keefe and bolstered by Jeremy Colliton, along with the retained assistant coaches, embody a renewed drive and commitment to achieving excellence. The team is poised to leverage this collective expertise to deliver a performance that will meet and, hopefully, exceed the expectations of their supporters.