Sheldon Keefe Returns as Head Coach of New Jersey Devils

Sheldon Keefe will remain at the helm of the New Jersey Devils after a thorough evaluation by new general manager Sunny Mehta. The team confirmed on Tuesday that Keefe will continue as head coach, following a season that saw the Devils miss the playoffs and part ways with longtime GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Keefe, who recently wrapped up his second season with New Jersey, faced challenges this past year, including the absence of star player Jack Hughes due to shoulder surgery. Last season, the Devils reached the postseason but were eliminated in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes.

In addition to retaining Keefe, Mehta is making significant changes to the coaching staff and front office. Goaltending coach Dave Rogalski has been let go, and assistant coach Sergei Brylin will be reassigned to a new role. Mehta has also brought in Braden Birch as an assistant, having previously collaborated with him in Florida, where they celebrated back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. Furthermore, Mehta chose not to renew contracts for executives Chuck Fletcher and Dan MacKinnon, signaling a fresh start for the franchise.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.