Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

Uh oh. Zach recaps an ugly Devils performance in San Jose with plenty of concerning trends, and has some thoughts about Sheldon Keefe's statements postgame. Zach also previews the Devils' weekend ahead in Southern California, and why it is so crucial for them to get right. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach is live, and on site for real, at the SAP Center in San Jose for tonight's New Jersey Devils vs San Jose Sharks matchup. Zach previews the goalie matchup and also walks through some interesting decisions regarding the defensive pairings, as well as as some former Devils getting a chance to beat their former team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Well, that MarkSTUNK. Zach dissects the New Jersey Devils' 8-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche last night. 

Live from an undisclosed location in the Philadelphia airport, it's another episode of Locked on Devils. Zach discusses his thoughts on the roster moves ahead of tonight's Devils-Avs rematch in Denver, and can't help but feel that the win streak comes to a close in Colorado. Additionally, there are some thoughts on former Devils' netminder Scott Wedgewood, as well as how the Devils could use some potential LTIR money with some injury updates. Lastly, Zach laments how the NHL has marketed tonight's Frozen Frenzy event, but will he catch his flight in time?

The New Jersey Devils win streak keeps on rolling, as Zach Berman breaks down a perfect weekend with victories over the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche. Zach also laments Brett Pesce's injury, but is excited about Jacob Markstrom's return. Lastly, Zach talks about staying humble when things are going as well as they have been, ahead of the Devils' impending West Coast swing.

Can the New Jersey Devils extend their win streak to 7 games tonight against the pesky San Jose Sharks? Zach previews tonight's matchup. In addition, he also revisits some past trauma (the last two Sharks @ Devils matchups), waxes poetic about former Devil and current Shark Tyler Toffoli, and quickly previews the Devils matinee matchup vs the Avalanche for Sunday!

THE STREAK HAS GONE TO SIX, as the New Jersey Devils continued their winning ways with a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild.First, Zach Berman breaks down last night's affair, including Arseny Gritsyuk's first NHL goal, and a sparkling outing by Nico Daws in net. After that, he has some thoughs about former Devils' head coach John Hynes and the job he's done with the Wild, including a quote from yesterday's pregame. Lastly, Zach takes a look at the happenings in Utica and their 0-3-1 start.

The New Jersey Devils demolished the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 on Tuesday night to pick up their fifth-straight win. On today's show, new host Zach Berman breaks down the win over the Leafs, previews tonight's back to back against the Minnesota Wild, and talks about some early season concerns about defenseman Simon Nemec. First, Zach digs into the win over Toronto, which showcased the Devils' superiority over a pretty flat looking Leafs squad. Next, Zach talks about the matchup with Kirill Kaprizov and the Wild and details why he thinks this might be a scheduled loss for the Devils...

Can the Washington Capitals repeat their magical 2024-25 NHL season that saw them top the Eastern Conference? Can the New York Rangers bounce back from a terrible season? Will this FINALLY be the year the Carolina Hurricanes make it back to the Stanley Cup Final? And can the New Jersey Devils just stay healthy? Today in the Locked On NHL Metro Contenders Season Preview Special, Jon Chik (Locked On Rangers), Alex Wiederspiel (Locked On NHL Game Night/Devils), Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) and Dan Holmi (Locked On Capitals) team up to preview the season for the Metro Division’s...

This is my final episode. It's not clickbait nor a joke. I am leaving the Locked On Podcast Network because I accepted a new job. Jersey Joe (Pucks & Pitchforks) and Jim Biringer (Full Press Hockey) helped me say goodbye. Thank you for all of your support over the past five years. I love you all!

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Former New Jersey Devils winger Nathan Bastian accompanied me on today's bonus episode. We talked about his tenure with the New Jersey Devils and some of his favorite memories. He also explained his free agency process and why he signed with the Dallas Stars several weeks ago. I also made a bittersweet announcement shortly before the interview.

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Lia Marie Nuzzi (ONNJ Sports) accompanied me on today's episode to reflect on the New Jersey Devils' 2024-25 season. We discussed what went right and wrong for them, their offseason, and what the future has in store. Lia also provided her team awards, including MVP, X-Factor, & unsung hero.

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NHL 26 by EA Sports is set to release on September 5th. Popular Twitch streamer Henreek joined me on today's episode to talk about the highly anticipated video game. There will be a lot of new features, including a revamped "Be a Pro." Henreek is also a New Jersey Devils fan, so we talked about the team and his expectations.

Follow Henreek on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/henreek

0:00 Thoughts on Chel 25 & Changes to Chel 26

8:51 Changes to Be a Pro & Devils ratings

21:50 Thoughts on the Devils

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We have another Luke Hughes contract update: It's being reported that Luke wants a five-year extension. Which means he and his older brother, Jack, could potentially become unrestricted free agents in 2030. The New Jersey Devils either want to sign Luke to a three-year bridge deal or the maximum eight years.

Check out Ryan Novozinsky's latest article: https://www.nj.com/devils/2025/08/how-slow-nhl-offseason-is-affecting-devils-luke-hughes-extension-talks.html

0:00 Dry market in the NHL

8:27 Luke Hughes' contract update

17:20 Luke's status for training camp

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Similar to Brenden Dillon, Brett Pesce's first season with the New Jersey Devils was also solid. He wasn't afraid to block shots and knew how to handle himself. More importantly, he appeared to be a great mentor to Luke Hughes and his development. In other news, the Devils will have 13 nationally televised games this season.

Interview soundbite: Brett Pesce (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Brett Pesce's 2024-25 season

9:55 Pesce's relationship with Luke Hughes

22:04 National TV schedule

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Brenden Dillon's first year with the New Jersey Devils was solid. He provided defense, physicality, and veteran leadership. All of these qualities are crucial for a playoff team. Unfortunately, his playoff run was cut short last season due to a neck injury in game one against the Carolina Hurricanes, but he'll be ready to go by training camp.

Interview soundbites: Brenden Dillon

0:00 Brenden Dillon's 2024-25 season

11:31 Dillon's injury

17:56 Lessons learned

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Just when you thought we couldn't get any deeper into the offseason, Mike Rupp made a controversial comment on NHL Network. He said he would take a healthy Jack Hughes over Auston Matthews. We need the season to start soon. Also, Simon Nemec has been hitting the gym. He's approaching the final year of his entry-level contract.

Soundbite courtesy NHL Network

0:00 Jack Hughes OVER Auston Matthews?!

10:02 Who could've used 15 extra goals?

18:54 Simon Nemec has been hitting the gym

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Jersey Joe (Pucks and Pitchforks) joined me on today's episode, and he has high expectations for Arseniy Gritsyuk. His hot take is that Gritsyuk will score over 30 goals for the New Jersey Devils this season. Naturally, he's a highly praised rookie, but that's an interesting perspective. He explained his reasoning during our discussion. We also discussed Luke Hughes' contract and shared our thoughts on the offseason thus far.

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0:00 Luke Hughes' contract

16:19 Can Arseniy Gritsyuk score 30-plus goals?!

28:23 Closing thoughts

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I decided to do something different in today's episode: react to some of your hot takes on the New Jersey Devils. There were definitely some interesting opinions. Has Timo Meier been a disappointment? Should Tom Fitzgerald be fired? Is Ondrej Palat really the problem? Hopefully, you don't pull your hair out by the end of the episode.

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New Jersey Devils prospect Ben Kevan joined me on today's episode. The Devils selected him 63rd overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. He is originally from Fairfield, California, and is committed to Arizona State University. We discussed his hockey career, the Sun Devils hockey program, and his experience at development camp.

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0:00 Humble beginnings

9:34 Arizona State University

19:28 NHL Draft

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Newly signed Adirondack Thunder defenseman Jimmy Dowd, Jr. joined me on today's episode. He is the son of 1995 Stanley Cup champion Jim Dowd. Jimmy played for the Penn State Nittany Lions during his college career. The Nittany Lions appeared in the Frozen Four this past season. Jimmy discussed his playing career and his excitement to begin his professional journey.

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0:00 Humble beginnings

11:18 Career at Penn State

26:13 Start of pro career

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On today's episode, I answer your questions that you sent in to me. Nico Hischier will become a free agent in 2027, but would he ever consider leaving the New Jersey Devils? Arseni Gritsyuk signed a one-year entry-level contract. Will he have a significant impact this season?

0:00 Will Nico Hischier leave the Devils in 2027?

11:02 Missing pieces?

19:13 Arseni Gritsyuk's potential

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The New Jersey Devils have a lot of talent on their roster, but they haven't consistently surpassed expectations. If they get solid production from their bottom-six and stay healthy, could they potentially compete for a Stanley Cup? I also assigned Tom Fitzgerald a letter grade for his offseason work so far.

0:00 Are the Devils Stanley Cup contenders?

14:47 Offseason letter grade

20:30 What needs to happen next?

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The New Jersey Devils have a lot of talent on their roster. However, they don't have forever. They need to start making significant progress next season. Their offseason hasn't been very exciting, and it definitely raises many questions. The additions that they've made are solid, but not spectacular. Worth mentioning that Luke Hughes still hasn't signed his extension.

Check out Ryan Novozinsky's article: https://www.nj.com/devils/2025/08/novozinsky-back-at-the-rink-and-covering-the-devils-again.html

0:00 Luke Hughes' contract update

9:01 Make or break for the Devils?

21:43 Concerns regarding the offseason so far

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Former New Jersey Devils goalie Keith Kinkaid joined me on today's episode. We discussed his time with the Devils organization (2011-2019), especially his standout 2017-18 season. He also shared some of his other NHL experiences and what he's been doing lately. He's currently preparing for the 3ICE championship tournament. The last team he played for was the Savannah Ghost Pirates in the ECHL.

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0:00 Humble beginnings

9:00 2017-18 Stanley Cup Playoff run

21:16 3ICE Tournament & future plans

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There have been many rumors about Quinn Hughes and his future with the Vancouver Canucks. It's been said that Quinn wants to join his brothers, Jack and Luke, someday. A trade to the New Jersey Devils might be unavoidable. Noah Strang (The Strang Stack) joined me on today's episode to talk about Quinn's future.

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Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, and three other former Team Canada members were recently acquitted of sexual assault charges from 2018. Many people have questions, and I will do my best to answer them. I explained the story and the reasoning behind Justice Maria Carroccia's decision. The players have not been reinstated to play in the NHL again.

Today's episode focuses on a sensitive topic (viewer discretion is advised)

Full timeline: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39436540/hockey-canada-sexual-assault-case-scandal-news-updates

0:00 Background information

8:42 The trial and decision

18:56 What happens next?

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July is nearly over, and the New Jersey Devils still have some work ahead. Matthew Blittner (Sportsology) joined me on today's episode to reflect on the offseason so far and what lies ahead for the team. We discussed potential trade options to create cap space and expectations for the upcoming season. We're still awaiting the Luke Hughes extension.

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Another day, another instance where Luke Hughes hasn't signed his extension yet. Clearly, he will return to the New Jersey Devils, but it all comes down to money and duration from both sides. The Devils have a solid team, but nothing exceptional. It'll be interesting to see what the future holds for the organization. Jim Biringer (Full Press Hockey) joined me on today's episode to discuss the Hughes situation and what's next for the Devils.

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Paul Cotter was acquired last offseason in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. Many believed the Devils gave up too much to get him. Although he faced some struggles at times, he was impactful this season for the New Jersey Devils. I also shared my reactions to the 2025-26 NHL schedule. The Devils will only face their dreaded rival three times this upcoming season.

Interview soundbite: Paul Cotter

0:00 Devils 2025-26 schedule

12:17 Paul Cotter's 2025-26 season

21:21 What does Cotter need to work on?

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New Jersey Devils television play-by-play announcer Don La Greca joined me on today's episode. He was recently named the new voice for the Devils, succeeding Bill Spaulding. As a lifelong Devils fan, he calls this opportunity his "dream job." He has many years of experience in the industry, including roles with the New York Rangers, ESPN, YES, and more.

Follow Don on the "X" app: @DonLaGreca

0:00 Humble beginnings

9:46 Working his way up the industry

31:49 Devils fandom

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The offseason is moving along, but the New Jersey Devils still have some issues that they need to address. Tom Fitzgerald hasn't made a move in a while, and people are starting to grow restless. I shared my personal concerns with the team. A little later in the episode, I discussed Jacob Markstrom's 2024-25 season. He had a strong showing.

Check out Kristy Flannery's article: https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/devils-remain-with-2-big-holes-in-lineup-for-2025-26-season

Interview soundbite: Jacob Markstrom

0:00 Time to be concerned for the Devils?

12:36 Jacob Markstrom's 2024-25 season

Last summer, people didn't expect much out of Johnathan Kovacevic. Fast-forward a year, and he has transformed himself into one of the best defensive-minded defensemen on the roster. He has exceeded expectations and earned himself a nice contract extension from the New Jersey Devils. Trading for him was a smart move by Tom Fitzgerald.

Interview soundbite: Johnathan Kovacevic

0:00 Kovacevic's 2024-25 season

12:10 Kovacevic's injury update

20:56 Kovacevic reflects on the season

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I have been focusing on a lot of young talent for the New Jersey Devils this week. Cole Brown is committed to play at Notre Dame after a strong showing in the OHL. Jakub Malek is another good goalie in the system. He will be a solid contributor for the Utica Comets. Speaking of which, you will also hear from Comets head coach, Ryan Parent.

Interview soundbites: Jakub Malek, Cole Brown, and Ryan Parent (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Jakub Malek at dev camp

12:02 Cole Brown at dev camp

16:19 Comets HC Ryan...

Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey are two promising young defensemen for the New Jersey Devils. Both had standout moments this past season. Devils fans should be eager about their futures. However, with the players ahead of them, understanding what's next in their development is quite intriguing.

Interview soundbites: Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey

0:00 Simon Nemec's 2024-25 season

10:56 Seamus Casey's 2024-25 season

20:20 What's next for them?

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New Jersey Devils fans are anxiously waiting for Tom Fitzgerald to make another. Rumor has it that the Seattle Kraken are open to trading Jared McCann. He has two years remaining on his five-year, $25 million deal. That might be an option worth exploring for the Devils. You will also hear from Jimmy Dowd, Jr. and Cam Squires during development camp.

Interview soundbites: Jimmy Dowd, Jr. and Cam Squires

0:00 Jared McCann trade rumors

11:23 Cam Squires at dev camp

17:01 Jimmy Dowd, Jr. at dev camp

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It was recently announced that New Jersey Devils' play-by-play announcer Bill Spaulding will depart MSG. Longtime ESPN radio host Don La Greca will now replace him. La Greca also served as the backup broadcaster for the New York Rangers, and is also a New Jersey native. The news shocked many people. You will also hear from Trenten Bennett and Ethan Edwards during development camp.

Interview soundbites: Trenten Bennett, Ethan Edwards (Courtesy New Jersey Devils), and Seamus Casey

0:00 Bill Spaulding's departure

12:28 Trenten Bennett at dev camp

21:28 Ethan Edwards at dev camp

Dougie Hamilton's name is back in the rumor mill. Elliotte Friedman reports that the New Jersey Devils are exploring potential trades involving Hamilton. I don't think the Devils are done making moves, but moving Hamilton would be a compelling choice. You will also hear from Shane LaChance and Mikhail Yegorov during the development camp.

Interview soundbites: Shane LaChance and Mikhail Yegorov (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Will the Devils trade Dougie Hamilton?

13:24 Shane LaChance during dev camp

17:16 Mikhail Yegorov during dev camp

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A lot has happened since the Stanley Cup Final concluded. Over the past few weeks, we've had the draft, development camp, and, of course, free agency. Jersey Joe (Pucks and Pitchforks) joined me on today's episode to reflect on the offseason so far. There should be more in store once the holiday weekend is over.

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Recently added players Evgenii Dadonov and Connor Brown held their introductory press conferences. We will hear from them about what New Jersey Devils fans can expect from them on a nightly basis. Both players add depth, experience, and solid production. The Devils also traded for Thomas Bordeleau from the San Jose Sharks a few days ago.

Interview soundbites: Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Connor Brown's press conference

16:43 Evgenii Dadonov's press conference

24:40 Thomas Bordeleau trade

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