Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

The episode opens with Zach Berman reacting to the blockbuster trade sending Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. He emphasizes the impact of this move from the New Jersey Devils’ perspective, clarifying that New Jersey was never really in the running due to Tkachuk’s no-trade list, which excluded the Devils. Zach Berman also worries about the high price required for elite top-six wingers on the trade market, as evidenced by what Ottawa received for Tkachuk.
Turning attention inward, Zach Berman discusses the challenges facing New Jersey’s new GM, Sunny Mehta. The Devils are saddled with several difficult contracts containing no-trade and no-movement clauses, legacy issues left by previous GM Tom Fitzgerald. Zach Berman speculates that the new management’s first offseason may be focused more on cleaning up the roster and front office rather than making flashy acquisitions, which could mean the team might not improve as quickly as fans hope.
Midway through the episode, Zach Berman hosts a mailbag segment addressing listener suggestions for offseason targets and moves to avoid. He discusses a range of names fans want—such as Matthew Knies, Shane Pinto, Jason Robertson, and others—while also agreeing with some of the suggested cautionary tales, like Darnell Nurse and Connor Hellebuyck. Zach Berman shares his own blueprint for a successful Devils offseason: acquiring a top-six winger, adding center depth, and upgrading the bottom six and defense, all while acknowledging the difficulty of moving certain burdensome contracts.
The show concludes with a passionate segment on Patrik Elias’ continued snub from the Hockey Hall of Fame. Zach Berman asserts Elias’ undeniable legacy with the Devils—franchise leader in points, multiple Cup runs, and number in the rafters—and hopes that with recent inductions clearing the way, Elias’ induction is imminent. He predicts better odds for Elias in upcoming Hall of Fame classes, ending on an optimistic note as the team and its fans head into the heart of the offseason and draft.
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Zach Berman opens the episode by reacting to a report that Simon Nemec, a restricted free agent defenseman, is allegedly asking the New Jersey Devils for a contract starting at a $10 million annual average value. Zach Berman finds this figure surprising and excessive, especially for a player who, in his assessment, has not lived up to the expectations of a former number two overall draft pick. He details Nemec’s inconsistent performance, pointing to both flashes of brilliance and ongoing struggles with play style and reliability. Zach Berman suggests that such a high ask could lead to Nemec being traded, rather than retained by the team.
The discussion then shifts to Nemec’s trade value and market perception. Zach Berman notes that while some NHL general managers still believe in Nemec’s upside, he personally remains skeptical about Nemec’s future as a top-tier defenseman. He speculates about potential trade partners, mentioning the New York Islanders’ reported interest but emphasizing the likely high asking price in any division-internal deal. There’s also debate among fans about the idea of swapping Nemec for Anaheim’s Mason McTavish, a young center, but Zach Berman is critical of McTavish’s inconsistencies and questions whether that trade would benefit the Devils.
Later, Zach Berman analyzes a recent trade between the Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks involving right-handed defenseman Michael Kesselring. He points out that Kesselring, a reliable but not superstar-level defenseman, fetched significant value on the market, highlighting a possible opportunity for the Devils to garner a similar return if they decide to move one of their own right-handed defensemen. Zach Berman touches on the Devils’ depth at the position and speculates on whether veterans like Dougie Hamilton could also be on the move, given the current market dynamics.
The episode concludes with reflections on the overall NHL trade landscape, Zach Berman’s desire to see bold, unexpected moves from GMs, and a review of Corey Pronman’s seven-round mock draft, focusing on potential Devils selections. Zach Berman highlights the calm before the storm of offseason activity, encourages fans to stay tuned for updates, and wraps with sponsor acknowledgments and reminders for listeners to engage with the Locked On Devils community.
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The episode marks the 10th anniversary of the Locked On Podcast Network, with Zach Berman celebrating by counting down the top ten New Jersey Devils moments since June 16, 2016. He opens the show reflecting on the network’s growth and sharing some recent NHL news, including trade activity and Devils-related rumors. Zach Berman notes that while the Devils' offseason is expected to be active, significant moves are still pending as the franchise awaits the first "domino" to fall.
Before diving into the countdown, Zach Berman reviews notable league developments, such as player trades involving the Flyers and Maple Leafs, and speculates about coaching changes, including John Tortorella’s future. He also discusses ongoing negotiations within the Devils organization, especially contract talks and potential roster overhauls, while highlighting the air of unpredictability surrounding the new front office leadership.
The main segment features Zach Berman’s ranking of the Devils’ top ten moments over the past decade. The list includes drafting Jesper Bratt in 2016, the outdoor victory at MetLife Stadium, acquiring Timo Meier, winning the 2017 draft lottery for Nico Hischier, and the signing of Dougie Hamilton. Other highlights are Taylor Hall's MVP season, the 13-game win streak in 2022-23, and crucial draft decisions such as picking Jack Hughes over Kaapo Kakko, with particular emphasis on Hughes’ iconic golden goal in the Olympics and the emotional Game 7 win over the New York Rangers in 2023.
Concluding, Zach Berman expresses both nostalgia and frustration, acknowledging that despite some memorable moments, the past decade has often been difficult for Devils fans. He thanks the Locked On Network for the opportunity to share these experiences and looks forward with hope that the team’s next ten years will feature more postseason success and possibly a Stanley Cup victory.
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The New Jersey Devils are entering a pivotal offseason following a disappointing 25-26 NHL campaign, described by Zach Berman as a "campaign from hell." With a new general manager and front office in place, expectations are sky-high to not only return to the playoffs but to start laying groundwork for a Stanley Cup run. One major immediate challenge is the status of goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Despite his full no-movement clause not expiring until July 1st and a sizable contract in place, there are reports that other teams have shown interest in acquiring Markstrom, with Florida being a speculative suitor, especially as their own goaltending situation is in flux.
Zach raises the critical issue of how the Devils would replace Markstrom if a trade materialized. Backup Jake Allen isn't considered a full-season solution, and prospects like Nico Dawes may not be ready for an elevated role. The goaltender free-agent market also appears thin, and potential trade options, such as Connor Hellebuyck, would be pricey in terms of both assets and cap space. Accordingly, any move off Markstrom must be paired with a clear and viable plan for securing reliable goaltending—a scenario Zach stresses as essential before making any decisions.
The podcast also delves into contract speculation around Devils captain Nico Hischier. According to Sunny Mehta, a medium-term extension in the $11-13 million range appears likely, reflecting both the rising cap and the fact that the team hasn't won enough to justify a team-friendly deal. There's a sense that Hischier's continued presence in New Jersey may hinge largely on the change in GM leadership, and that player retention in general will become more challenging unless the Devils start winning consistently.
Finally, Zach reflects on the lessons the Devils can learn from the Carolina Hurricanes, recent Stanley Cup winners. The Hurricanes' success—built on analytics, cap flexibility, aggressiveness in transactions, and organizational alignment—offers a blueprint for the Devils under Sunny Mehta’s stewardship. emphasizes the need for a smarter, more adaptable front office and a focused, winning culture as critical for closing the gap between the Devils and perennial contenders like Carolina. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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