It’s no secret that final season’s catastrophe for the New Jersey Devils was largely partly to a myriad of accidents. Nicely, camp has solely been underway for a handful of days, and it seems that the harm gods are nonetheless livid with Jersey’s crew.

Particularly on the again finish, they’re already hurting considerably. Luke Hughes can be out for 5 to seven extra weeks with a shoulder harm. Brett Pesce is labeled “week-to-week” as he’s nonetheless recovering from offseason surgical procedure on his fractured fibula. With that, a number of guys who had been initially touted as depth items may have the chance to make the flight to Prague, Czechia for opening night time.

The Devils’ fanbase’s slogan for Santeri Hatakka has famously been “Hakuna Hatakka”, modeled after The Lion King phrase “Hakuna Matata”, that means “no worries.” He’s a dwelling embodiment of the phrase, telling James Nichols of NJ Hockey Now that he’s “fairly assured” that he’ll be a full-time NHL participant this season.

The Finnish Hatakka was initially a throw-in piece within the Timo Meier deal, however he shortly rose to develop into an intriguing prospect within the Devils’ system. In a brief stint with the massive membership, the 23-year-old notched two assists in 12 video games and a plus-5 score, which was the fifth-highest mark on the whole crew. He performed most video games (10) alongside Simon Nemec, the place the duo had a formidable expected-goals share (xGF%) of 60% (by way of MoneyPuck). The opposition scored only one even-strength purpose throughout these ten contests.

Actually, three of the Devils’ prime eight pairings (min. 10 minutes ice time) based mostly on xGF% final season featured Hatakka, as he additionally briefly excelled with departed Devils Brendan Smith and Colin Miller. He confirmed a slight offensive contact with the Utica Comets (American Hockey League – AHL) as effectively, with 20 factors in 48 video games. He definitely boasts some management qualities too, as his AHL teammate and fellow Finn Topias Vilen mentioned that Hatakka helped take him below his wing when he got here to North America. Vilen instructed The Hockey Writers, “There’s quite a lot of good issues about his recreation. His skating and defensive means (stand out).”

The Devils acquired Jonathan Kovacevic on June 30 in alternate for a 2026 fourth-round decide. Instantly, many Montreal Canadiens followers flooded social media with frustration at their fan favourite being dealt. It’s straightforward to see why, he stands at an intimidating 6-foot-5, he performs above-average protection, and he’s not afraid to drop the gloves if want be.

His plus-11 score led the complete Canadiens roster final season, and he blocked 83 pictures whereas doling out 75 hits in 62 video games. Like Hatakka, he doesn’t usually influence the offensive aspect of issues an excessive amount of, however he did chip in every so often with six objectives and 13 complete factors in 2023-24. 

Ryan Szporer, who covers the Canadiens for The Hockey Writers, mentioned, “Kovacevic is no-flash, all-substance. He’s a steady, all-around defenseman who might not decide up quite a lot of factors, however he’s undoubtedly received puck-movement means. His power most likely lies in his defensive consciousness. Regardless of his dimension, he’s form of exhausting to note just because he doesn’t make quite a lot of errors, which is form of what you want in a depth defenseman.” In six seasons between the AHL and NHL, he’s by no means completed as a minus. He’s a mixed plus-60 in these 280 profession video games.

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Basic supervisor Tom Fitzgerald made it very clear that the Devils wanted to be greater and more durable this season. With the addition of Kovacevic (amongst others), his actions are backing that up.

Nick DeSimone progressed from a waiver pickup to a sneaky good piece for the Devils’ protection after they suffered so many accidents down the stretch. Regardless of being principally a profession AHLer, he discovered a distinct segment enjoying alongside Luke Hughes, the place the duo was probably the greatest pairings in hockey in a small pattern dimension. 

In 113 minutes (11 video games), they outscored opponents 7-1. DeSimone’s complete score of plus-7 completed third on the Devils, behind Colin Miller and Curtis Lazar. It was sufficient to earn him one other two-way contract inside the Devils’ group, though he would need to undergo waivers if he doesn’t make the preliminary roster.

He shrugged off taking any credit score when requested about his success with the youngest Hughes, laughing and saying, “Nicely, Luke’s fairly good,” however Hughes’ numbers – each superior and commonplace – had been at his greatest when enjoying alongside DeSimone. Sadly, since Hughes is among the many at the moment injured, which will come to the detriment of DeSimone as there may not be sufficient time for him to show himself alongside another person, and his profession observe document (apart from the 11 video games with New Jersey) isn’t precisely eye-popping.

However DeSimone is used to being affected person for his alternatives, at one level ready a month to get into recreation motion after being acquired by New Jersey. He instructed The Hockey Writers, “It’s my job to be prepared. You by no means know while you’re going to be referred to as on. It might be two months, it might be by no means…you by no means know. The onus is on me to be prepared.”

Present Pairings

Head coach Sheldon Keefe already appears to be sticking to a particular set of defensive pairings within the early days of camp. Right here’s what has appeared to stay within the absence of Pesce and Hughes:

• Dillon – Hamilton
• Siegenthaler – Kovacevic
• Hatakka – Nemec

DeSimone has been principally grouped with guys on AHL {and professional} tryout contracts. With the flight to Prague occurring in just a bit over per week (Sept. 29), selections should be made shortly. Not like previous years, the primary few preseason video games will characteristic a roster that’s very near what opening night time will appear like. Time is of the essence, and one dangerous apply or skate might be the distinction. However regardless, if any of those guys do garner an prolonged NHL look, they’ll intention to develop into a significant a part of holding the Devils afloat and avoiding a 2023-24-esque sort of catastrophe.