Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

Even though the New Jersey Devils didn't have a first-round pick, they still managed to make some notable selections. Conrad Fondrk, Ben Kevan, and Mason Moe all bring unique skill sets, even if their stats don't show it. Fondrk and Moe held their introductory press conferences via Zoom. You will hear from them on today's episode. Although Kevan was present for the draft, he also held a Zoom press conference in addition to an in-person one in Los Angeles.

Interview soundbites: Conrad Fondrk, Ben Kevan, and Mason Moe (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Conrad Fondrk

The second day of the draft has now concluded. The New Jersey Devils had seven picks between rounds 2-7. Some of the key prospects they selected were Conrad Fondrk, Ben Kevan, and Mason Moe. The Devils didn't make any trades during the draft, but things might start to pick up around July 1st. This year's draft wasn't as exciting as last year's in Las Vegas.

Recorded live at the Peacock Theater

Interview soundbite: Ben Kevan

0:00 Draft recap

5:47 Hear from Ben Kevan

16:11 My final thoughts on the draft

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The second day of the draft has now concluded. The New Jersey Devils had seven picks between rounds 2-7. Some of the key prospects they selected were Conrad Fondrk, Ben Kevan, and Mason Moe. The Devils didn't make any trades during the draft, but things might start to pick up around July 1st. This year's draft wasn't as exciting as last year's in Las Vegas.

Recorded live at the Peacock Theater

Interview soundbite: Ben Kevan

0:00 Draft recap

5:47 Hear from Ben Kevan

16:11 My final thoughts on the draft

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Day 1 of the NHL Draft has concluded, but it was a very long and tedious process. Matthew Scharfer was drafted first overall by the New York Islanders. It's incredible that the Islanders were able to secure three first-round picks. However, the New Jersey Devils didn't have a first-round pick, and people are wondering what's next for them, especially with July 1st fast approaching.

Interview soundbites: Matthew Schaefer and Gary Bettman (Courtesy NHL)

Recorded live from the Peacock Theater

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings, David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Armando Velez (Locked On Panthers) are here to talk about the upcoming NHL draft, any potential free agency surprises, and about Alexander Mogilny finally making it into the Hall of Fame!

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It's been a few days since the New Jersey Devils traded Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators. Obviously, there's still more work that needs to be done. I've mentioned this before, but I believe Ondrej Palat is next in line to be shipped out. The buyout period is also open until June 30th. Rumors are also saying that Cody Glass might re-sign with the Devils. The draft is also next week.

Interview soundbites: Connor McDavid (Courtesy Edmonton Oilers) and Cody Glass

0:00 Trade or buyout Ondrej Palat?

9:54 Re-sign Cody Glass?

17:10 Connor McDavid's...

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild), David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about why the playoffs are lasting so long, how to fix that, whether the NHL will finally close the LTIR loophole some teams have been using, and what to make of the early Olympics roster announcements!

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The 2024-25 NHL season is now officially over. The Florida Panthers defended their title and are now back-to-back champions. Unfortunately, the Edmonton Oilers didn't have enough pieces to get their revenge despite having two of the best individual players. The New Jersey Devils can learn a lot of lessons from both the Oilers and Panthers. No such thing as "losses", only "lessons".

Interview soundbite: Jake Allen

0:00 Disclaimer

0:55 How can the Devils learn from the Oilers?

13:31 How can the Devils learn from the Panthers?

22:30 Closing thoughts on the Stanley Cup...

A day after the Stanley Cup Final, Tom Fitzgerald got right to work. He traded away Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick. This was clearly a salary dump for the Devils, and it's a step in the right direction. Emma Lingan (Locked On Predators) joined me on today's episode to discuss the surprising trade.

Follow Emma on the "X" page app: @emma_lingan

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Here we go again: It's time for me to defend Dougie Hamilton and what he brings to the New Jersey Devils. He had another injury-plagued season, but was still useful. Many people want to see him get traded; however, that scenario is unlikely to happen. He's actually a good player and deserves more appreciation.

Interview soundbite: Dougie Hamilton

0:00 Dougie Hamilton's 2024-25 season

12:23 Will Dougie get traded?

21:53 Defensive foundation

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Daily Faceoff reports that the New Jersey Devils are open to signing Luke Hughes to a bridge deal. There would be a lot of consequences if he signed a short-term contract. Over the weekend, the Devils signed Juho Lammikko to a one-year, one-way contract. It's not a big signing, but it's a start. Lastly, we can expect to see a decent number of Devils players representing their countries in next year's Olympics.

Check out Nick Villano's article: https://pucksandpitchforks.com/new-jersey-devils-could-be-making-a-huge-mistake-with-luke-hughes-contract

0:00 Juho Lammikko signing

8:43 Luke Hughes' contract update

15:31 2026 Olympic rosters

In yesterday's episode, I discussed potential options that the New Jersey Devils could trade away to create more cap space. One of those options was Dawson Mercer, who signed a three-year, $12 million contract last offseason. Unfortunately, he had another subpar performance this season. However, he's still young and holds decent value.

Interview soundbite: Dawson Mercer

0:00 Dawson Mercer's 2024-25 season

8:16 The end of Mercer?

18:15 Devils players receiving MVP recognition

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The New York Rangers continue to clean house when it comes to big contracts. The New Jersey Devils need to do something similar if they want to have a successful offseason. The Devils have a lot of potential, but Tom Fitzgerald really needs to swing for the fences once again. This means no more settling and doing whatever it takes to take this team to the next level.

0:00 Tom Fitzgerald's job security

13:05 Who should the Devils get rid of first?

20:23 Looking forward

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild) and Tom Callahan (Locked On Mammoth) are here to talk about how the Panthers are outclassing the Oilers, as well as the coaching drama happening in Dallas!

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Ondrej Palat's first three seasons with the New Jersey Devils have been disappointing. He has not lived up to the five-year, $30 million contract he signed in 2022. If the Devils can trade him, it could free up some cap space. This would give them more money to work with this offseason. Palat is a solid veteran player, but it's time to move on.

Check out Nick Villano's article: https://pucksandpitchforks.com/new-york-rangers-trade-rumors-could-be-bad-news-for-new-jersey-devils

Check out Jersey Joe's article: https://pucksandpitchforks.com/3-landing-spots-for-ondrej-palat-and-what-the-new-jersey-devils-should-expect-01jxayyzb8tv

Interview soundbite: Ondrej Palat

0:00 Ondrej Palat's 2024-25 season

Similar to Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand is also a pending unrestricted free agent. He has been performing strongly in the playoffs with the Florida Panthers. He brings a lot of tools to the table that could benefit the New Jersey Devils. Given the salary cap situation, the Devils may face challenges in signing players during free agency. They might need to explore different options.

Check out Kristy Flannery's article: https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/devils-should-target-brad-marchand-in-free-agency#:~:text=Marchand's%2051%20points%20in%20the,We%20came%20in%20second.%22

0:00 Brad Marchand to the Devils?

11:30 Free agency or...

Sam Bennett is a pending unrestricted free agent. Despite all of the hype, some people are predicting that his contract to age similarly to Ondrej Palat's deal. Either way, Bennett has been performing well throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The New Jersey Devils might have a tough decision to make when it comes to their goalie tandem. Jake Allen is also a pending UFA, but it might be time for Nico Daws to take the next step in his career. 

Interview soundbites: Nico Daws (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Nico Daws vs. Jake Allen

13:38 S...

Timo Meier finished the 2024-25 season strong and had a good showing during the playoffs. However, during exit interviews, he revealed that he knows he can take his game to another level. Many people have strong opinions about Meier, but he's a dynamic player who contributes in several facets to the game. I also shared my thoughts on the 2025 Stanley Cup Final so far.

Interview soundbite: Timo Meier (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Timo Meier's 2024-25 season

10:44 Meier Madness

16:12 My thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final

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Tom Fitzgerald recently spoke with Mike Morreale (NHL.com) about the New Jersey Devils' offseason plans. He provided updates on Luke Hughes' contract and possible roster moves. Nick Kypreos published a recent article on the possibility of the Devils moving on from Ondrej Palat and Dawson Mercer. Trading one or both of them would increase cap space.

Check out Mike Morreale's latest article: https://www.nhl.com/news/luke-hughes-offseason-priority-for-new-jersey-devils-gm-says

0:00 Tom Fitzgerald provides offseason updates

9:20 Ondrej Palat and Dawson Mercer on the trade block?

14:52 Discussing offseason needs...again

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings) and David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) are here to talk about the Stanley Cup Final beginning and where Mitch Marner is going to go in free agency, as well as some other key free agents!

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There may be some changes pending in the Lone Star State. The Dallas Stars are reportedly looking to trade away Jason Robertson due to Mikko Rantanen's eight-year extension. Robertson was an all-star in 2023 and is entering the final year of his contract. The New Jersey Devils are actively searching for scoring depth.

Check out Nick Villano's article: https://pucksandpitchforks.com/new-jersey-devils-should-throw-everything-at-dallas-stars-for-jason-robertson

Soundbite courtesy Daily Faceoff

0:00 Frank Seravalli's comments

9:21 Jason Robertson's 2024-25 season

17:02 Who should be included in the deal?

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The results are in, and Nico Hischier officially finished fourth in the Selke Trophy race. Sasha Barkov ended up winning the award in back-to-back seasons. Jim Biringer (Full Press Hockey) joined me on today's episode and explained why he voted Hischier first place for the award. There were 11 total PHWA personnel who gave Hischier a first-place vote.

Follow Jim on the "X" app: @JimBiringer

Awful Announcing's broadcast team rankings: https://awfulannouncing.com/nhl/2024-2025-local-announcer-rankings.html

0:00 Nico Hischier 4th place finish

11:04 Jim Biringer joins the show

20:40 The MSG broadcast<...

Stefan Noesen's second tenure with the New Jersey Devils is off to a great start so far. Not only was he a great net front presence, but his voice carried a lot of weight in the locker room. He exceeded a lot of people's expectations and will be an important piece for the Devils down the road. His teammates also had a lot of praise for him.

Interview soundbites: Stefan Noesen, Nico Hischier, Erik Haula, and Paul Cotter

My interview with Alyson Noesen: https://youtu.be/oWJggFgXJMk?si=-nREDynPfSBXPV8L

Check out Nick...

0:00 Nico Hischier

13:32 Erik Haula

21:58 Tomas Tatar

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Aside from a Luke Hughes extension, the main priority for the New Jersey Devils is to clear some cap space this summer. The team needs scoring depth, and there are some potential options available. Jersey Joe (Pucks and Pitchforks) joined me on today's episode to look at possible options.

Follow Jersey Joe on the "X" app: @JerseyJoe11_NJ

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Marco Rossi is a pending restricted free agent, and he seems to be at odds with the Minnesota Wild's front office. The Wild are reportedly trying to move him due to the contract that he might demand. He had 60 points in 82 games played. The New Jersey Devils need depth scoring, and Rossi could be an option if the price is right.

Check out Neil Villapiano's latest article: https://pucksandpitchforks.com/marco-rossi-should-be-a-top-rfa-target-for-the-new-jersey-devils

0:00 Should the Devils pursue Marco Rossi?

10:45 What's the asking price for Rossi?

16:24 Scoring or physicality?

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about what really matters in the playoffs: goaltending. Also, we discuss how to improve the regular season AND the playoff format, before swinging back to the playoffs to talk about the importance of physical players like Sam Bennett in the postseason!

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Erik Haula is a well-respected veteran player, and his teammates obviously love him. But that's where the positivity ends. He had a disappointing campaign. At one point, he didn't register a single point between November 25 and March 9. He's approaching the final season of his three-year deal. The New Jersey Devils might have to part ways with him.

Interview soundbite: Erik Haula

0:00 Haula's 2024-25 season

9:04 Haula talks about this year's struggles

16:07 Time to move on?

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The first domino piece has fallen this offseason for the New Jersey Devils. Albeit it's a small one. Tomas Tatar signed a two-year deal to play in Switzerland this upcoming season. Thus ending his tenure with the Devils and also possibly his NHL career. Tatar had a few serviceable seasons with the Devils, but it was time to move on.

Interview soundbite: Tomas Tatar

0:00 Tomas Tatar is off to Switzerland

8:37 Tatar's 2024-25 season

18:17 Learning more about Brad Shaw

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The Florida Panthers might have a legitimate chance to defend their title. However, one of their important pieces, Sam Bennett, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He's a physical player who also contributes offensively. Unfortunately for the Devils, he's also projected to earn a decent-sized contract. The Devils currently have $12 million in cap space.

Check out Jennifer Streeter's article: https://pucksandpitchforks.com/3-reasons-it-makes-sense-for-the-devils-to-sign-sam-bennett-and-1-reason-it-doesnt

0:00 Sam Bennett's 2024-25 season

10:48 How can the Devils save money?

17:05 The Panthers' dominance

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Jake Allen had a great season backing up Jacob Markstrom. As you might recall, Allen was brought over to the New Jersey Devils from the Montreal Canadiens last season. The Habs retained half of his salary in order to get rid of him. After a good showing this season, Allen might leave the Devils in free agency. He could get a pay increase elsewhere.

Interview soundbite: Jake Allen

0:00 Jake Allen's 2024-25 season

10:40 Jake's free agency

15:43 The rise of Nico Daws?

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Luke Hughes continues to get better as his NHL career progresses. He played an integral role on the New Jersey Devils' blue line and is now a pending restricted free agent. The good news is that no other team can extend him an offer sheet, which helps the Devils a lot. But now the big question is what does his new contract look like especially with $12 million in cap space available.

Check out Jared Moore's latest article: https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2025/5/13/24426553/new-jersey-devils-rfa-profile-luke-hughes 

0:00 Luke Hughes' contract

10:39 Luke's 2024-25 season

17:45 Luke's improvement

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings), Haley Taylor Simon (Locked On Blues), Ann Kimmel (Locked On Preds) and Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild) are here to check in on the start of the conference finals, talk through each team’s changes, make some predictions on the Stanley Cup Final, dissect the latest playoff disappointment from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and check in on the teams that still need a coach.

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Jack Hughes had another successful season. He was racking up the points and even improved defensively. Unfortunately, he had to get season-ending shoulder surgery for the second straight year. It seems like Hughes can never avoid injuries and something has to change. Because he is a star player and the New Jersey Devils rely on him a lot.

Check out Neil Villapiano's latest article: https://pucksandpitchforks.com/brad-shaw-is-a-home-run-hire-for-the-new-jersey-devils

Interview soundbites: Tom Fitzgerald (Courtesy New Jersey Devils)

0:00 Jack Hughes' 2024-25 season

12:34 Jack's injury problem

20:36 Brad Shaw hiring

Curtis Lazar is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He didn't have a good showing during the 2024-25 season, but he was never 100% healthy. He was dealing with a knee problem for most of the season. While some people might forget, he's had an impactful rose with the New Jersey Devils the past few seasons.

Interview soundbite: Curtis Lazar

0:00 Curtis Lazar's 2024-25 season

8:48 Lazar's impact

13:41 Should the Devils bring him back?

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Another year, another disappointing playoff exit for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's the same story: they have a great regular season, but fall short of expectations come the playoffs. One of their top contributors, Mitch Marner, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He might elect to leave the team. Should the New Jersey Devils pursue him?

Check out James Nichols' article: https://newjerseyhockeynow.com/2025/05/15/new-jersey-devils-news-reunite-sheldon-keefe-maple-leafs-star-mitch-marner/#google_vignette

0:00 Will Mitch Marner leave Toronto?

11:27 Marner to the Devils?

17:12 Sheldon Keefe was not the issue

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Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Tom Callahan (Locked on Mammoth), Kyle Kjer (Locked On Ducks) and Shukri Wrights (Locked On NHL Game Night) are here to check in on the second round of the playoffs, before talking about some of the newly hired coaches, including Joel Quenneville and Rick Tocchet!

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The pressure is on Tom Fitzgerald to once again make changes this offseason. The New Jersey Devils can't afford another mediocre campaign. Fitzgerald said during his exit interview that the team won't be running it back with the same unit next season. There are a few players set to become either UFAs or RFAs this offseason. I decided to share my quick thoughts as to whether or not a certain player will stay or leave.

Check out Kristy Flannery's latest article: https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/devils-tom-fitzgerald-under-immense-pressure-to-deliver-after-average-season

0:00 Tom Fitzgerald's pressure

12:09 Pending UFAs...

Thanks to Jim Rutherford's comments, a lot of people are concerned with the Vancouver Canucks' future. There's been some speculation that their captain Quinn Hughes might be traded at some point. It's been revealed that he wants to team up with his brothers. The hosts of Locked On Canucks (Trevor Beggs and Kyle Bhawan) and I collabortaed on a crossover to discuss the matter.

Follow Trevor on the "X" app: @TrevBeggs

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My old friend, Alyson, accompanied me on today's episode. She is also the wife of New Jersey Devils forward Stefan Noesen. She talked about how they met in high school and later became married with two kids. Being married to an NHL player isn't always easy, but Alyson talked about the WAG lifestyle and many interesting stories as well. We also talked about our time working together at the University of Detroit Mercy.

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