Coaching Staff Changes
The New Jersey Devils have officially completed their coaching roster, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season. Head coach Sheldon Keefe, who recently joined the team, has brought on Jeremy Colliton to solidify the team's strategic direction and bolster their performance for the upcoming season. The announcement was made by Tom Fitzgerald, the Devils' president and general manager, this past Tuesday.
This development follows Keefe’s hiring less than three weeks ago, after he departed from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Keefe has made it a point to retain the majority of the interim coaching staff, which includes Travis Green, who stepped in as interim coach towards the end of the last season after Lindy Ruff was dismissed in early March. This continuity is expected to promise a stabilized approach going into the next season.
Additionally, assistant coaches Ryan McGill, Chris Taylor, and Sergei Brylin will return, alongside goaltending coach Dave Rogalski. This familiar group of coaches is anticipated to create a cohesive environment, which is expected to positively impact the team's performance.
Jeremy Colliton's Background
Jeremy Colliton brings a wealth of experience to the Devils, most recently coaching the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL for the past two seasons. Under his leadership, the team posted commendable records and made playoff appearances. His coaching credentials include a significant stint with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he served as head coach for parts of four seasons, becoming the NHL's youngest head coach at age 33.
During his time with the Blackhawks, Colliton led the team to a record of 87-92-26 and also coached their AHL affiliate in Rockford. Beyond his work in North America, Colliton has international coaching experience in Sweden, where he coached in the second league from 2013 to 2017. Adding to his impressive resume, he was the head coach for Team Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics, stepping in for Claude Julien due to injury. Unfortunately, Team Canada did not secure a medal during that tournament.
Playing Background
Before embarking on his coaching career, Jeremy Colliton was a professional ice hockey player. He was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders and played as a center. His playing career includes six seasons within the Islanders' organization, featuring 57 NHL games in which he scored three goals and provided three assists.
Colliton’s combined experience as both a player and a coach makes him a valuable addition to the Devils' coaching staff. His history demonstrates an ability to nurture talent and foster growth, qualities that will be crucial as the Devils seek to make significant strides in the upcoming season.
Both the organization and its fans will be closely observing these changes, with hopes that the integration of Colliton will represent a strategic move that pays dividends on the ice. The partnership between Keefe and Colliton promises to leverage their combined expertise to propel the Devils forward in their quest for success in the highly competitive NHL landscape.