In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the New Jersey Devils are facing a pivotal offseason with major decisions looming, including, but not limited to, what to do with head coach Sheldon Keefe. Meanwhile, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is weighing his future and says he won’t decide anything until he has an important conversation. Finally, how many additional changes might the New York Islanders be making? Is hiring a new coach the beginning of other offseason moves?
Is Ovechkin set to retire? Are the Devils making sweeping changes, including more firings and possible trades? What’s the latest around the league as the regular season comes to a close?
Devils Enter Crucial Offseason With Big Questions
The New Jersey Devils want to be in “win-now” mode, but their next general manager will inherit a long list of pressing decisions. One of the biggest involves the head coach. Sheldon Keefe noted that he’s part of the evaluation process that will take place over the summer. That means he’s aware his job is on the hot seat.
While speaking with the media, “I’ll be part of an evaluation process that’ll happen at the end of this season. Obviously, they’ve got some decisions to make on who the new GM will be and what the leadership of the team looks like. I’ll be a part of that discussion and evaluation.”
Meanwhile, there are roster questions to answer. Will Dougie Hamilton and Simon Nemec be moved? Is Nico Hischier thinking about his future? What about goaltending, which is another area of concern? Hischier commented on his contract situation but was noncommittal about his future, fueling speculation that the Devils might explore trade options if he’s not sold on the direction of the team of extension negotiations stall.
Following the dismissal of GM Tom Fitzgerald, potential replacements could include Brendan Shanahan or Brad Treliving.
Ovechkin Reflecting on Future With Capitals
In Washington, Alex Ovechkin is approaching a major career crossroads. In an exclusive interview, the longtime Capitals captain confirmed he will take time after the season to consult with family before deciding whether to continue playing.
Related: NHL Rumors: Roy’s Firing, Maple Leafs Reunion, TJ Hughes News, and a ‘Red Herring’ Trade
Now 40, Ovechkin suggested it was how healthy he feels that would determine whether he keeps going and chasing 1000 goals or Wayne Gretzky’s all-time career goals mark. It will come down to how his body feels after 20 NHL seasons.
Capitals management has indicated it will fully support whatever choice he makes, whether that’s one final run or retirement.
Predators Eye Fitzgerald; Islanders Make Coaching Change
Elsewhere around the league, the Nashville Predators are reportedly eyeing former Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald as a potential front-office addition. His history with the franchise and NHL experience make him a logical candidate, and many wonder if the timing of his exit from New Jersey was related to that GM vacancy.
Meanwhile, the New York Islanders made a bold move by firing head coach Patrick Roy and hiring Pete DeBoer to a multi-year deal. The decision signals not only a desire to win immediately, but DeBoer was seen as an upgrade, and the Islanders didn’t want their new coach to be snagged by anyone else. DeBoer confirmed he spoke with multiple teams, but once he spoke with the Islanders, they became his priority. It was a job he wanted.
With the roster featuring players like Ilya Sorokin and Matthe Schaefer, the Islanders may not be far off—but more changes could be coming. If they miss the playoffs, management is expected to make aggressive roster additions, potentially targeting defensive upgrades and additional scoring.
