Coaching Staff Changes
The New Jersey Devils have officially completed their coaching roster, underlining their commitment to enhancing their strategic and competitive edge ahead of the upcoming NHL season.
Newly appointed head coach Sheldon Keefe has added Jeremy Colliton to his staff, a move aimed at solidifying the team’s strategic direction and bolstering performance. Tom Fitzgerald, the president and general manager, announced the new arrangement on Tuesday, less than three weeks after Keefe himself joined from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The newly finalized coaching staff maintains a significant element of continuity, retaining a majority of the interim coaching staff that had been in place. This stability is anticipated to create a cohesive environment and positively impact the team’s performance throughout the season.
Travis Green, who stepped in as interim coach after Lindy Ruff was dismissed in early March, played a crucial role toward the end of last season. Alongside Green, assistant coaches Ryan McGill, Chris Taylor, Sergei Brylin, and goaltending coach Dave Rogalski are all set to return. Their collective familiarity with the team and each other promises a stabilized approach, critical for the team’s aspirations in the upcoming season.
Jeremy Colliton's Background
Jeremy Colliton brings a wealth of experience from various leagues and levels of hockey, positioning him as a valuable addition to the Devils' coaching staff. Colliton coached the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL over the past two seasons, where his leadership helped the team achieve commendable records and playoff appearances. Notably, his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks saw him become the NHL's youngest head coach at the age of 33. During his tenure, he led the Blackhawks to a record of 87-92-26.
Before his stint with the Blackhawks, Colliton also coached their AHL affiliate in Rockford. His coaching journey began overseas in Sweden, where he led a team in Sweden's second league from 2013 to 2017. Furthermore, Colliton had the honor of being the head coach for Team Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics, stepping in for Claude Julien, though the team did not secure a medal.
Playing Background
Prior to his coaching career, Jeremy Colliton was a professional ice hockey player. Drafted in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, he played as a center. Colliton spent six seasons within the Islanders' organization, appearing in 57 NHL games and recording three goals and three assists. His playing career, combined with his diverse coaching experiences, underscores his ability to nurture talent and foster growth, making him a significant asset to the Devils.
The decision to integrate Colliton into the coaching staff represents a strategic move designed to leverage his expertise and experience for the benefit of the team. His history of developing players and achieving strong results aligns well with the Devils' objectives for the upcoming season.
As the organization aims to make significant strides, both Keefe and Colliton will work closely to ensure that the Devils compete vigorously in the NHL. The team’s trajectory, bolstered by these recent changes, will be keenly observed by the organization and its fans alike, with a shared hope for a successful and competitive season ahead.