Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

In this episode, Zach Berman recaps the recent town hall where New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta spoke to season ticket holders for the first time since his introductory press conference. Zach Berman highlights that Sunny Mehta managed to say a lot without revealing much, describing him as a poker player who keeps his cards close. Key takeaways from the town hall included Sunny Mehta's belief that the Devils already possess many "championship caliber ingredients," especially with talents like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier at center, though he openly acknowledged that the team needs to improve and is not yet at a championship level 03:32.
Zach Berman shares Sunny Mehta's attitude toward challenges, quoting him as viewing obstacles as "opportunities," which Zach Berman found refreshing and motivating compared to past Devils leadership 07:10. Sunny Mehta expressed optimism about contract extension talks with both Arseny Gritsyuk and Nico Hischier, though Zach Berman remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging that some comments were made for the benefit of the season ticket holder audience 05:04. Zach Berman also notes that Sunny Mehta has kept future move intentions tightly guarded, unlike previous regimes where targets were often known far in advance.
The episode transitions to league-wide updates, including discussion about Dylan Larkin's trade preferences and how the Devils might act as a facilitator in a potential deal, possibly landing middle-six pieces from Florida like Evan Rodrigues or Eetu Luostarinen 14:14. Zach Berman touches on the prevalence of no-movement clauses in the NHL, warning that these should be reserved for only top players and expressing hope that Sunny Mehta will be more careful than his predecessor about handing them out 17:55. He also briefly discusses the coaching situation, supporting the organization's decision to retain Sheldon Keefe rather than chase subpar options.
The episode closes with Zach Berman's recap of his selection for the Locked On Podcast Network mock draft, where he chose Wyatt Cullen at 12th overall for the Devils, citing his two-way ability and high hockey IQ as aligning with what the franchise should prioritize 22:04. He reviews how other outlets and mock drafts see the Devils' options, stating a preference against selecting players "big and mean" without sufficient skill, which he doubts would be Sonny Maida's approach. As the draft and the offseason approach, Zach Berman expresses anticipation for further moves and announcements from the Devils, especially regarding key staff positions and potential trades 28:50.

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Zach Berman opens the episode by addressing the recent news that Dylan Larkin, captain of the Detroit Red Wings, has requested a trade away from his hometown team after 11 seasons. Larkin, who signed an eight-year extension in 2023, reportedly wants out despite being the franchise’s face and the only remaining player from Detroit’s last playoff run in 2016. He holds a full no-trade clause, giving him significant control over where he might go next. The situation is described as a nightmare for Detroit fans, as it signals a lack of confidence in the team’s immediate future and reflects ongoing organizational struggles 02:19.
The conversation then turns to whether there might be a fit for Larkin on the New Jersey Devils. While Zach Berman acknowledges past speculation about a Nico Hischier-for-Larkin deal, he stresses that he’s strongly against trading Hischier. Instead, he explores scenarios where the Devils could potentially acquire Larkin while keeping their core centers intact, imagining a formidable center group of Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Dylan Larkin, and Cody Glass 06:43. However, he ultimately suggests that teams with a more urgent need for top-six center help and more to offer—like the Rangers, Wild, or Flyers—are likely to be stronger contenders for Larkin, especially given the Red Wings’ limited leverage due to Larkin’s contractual protections 07:40.
Shifting topics, Zach Berman briefly touches on rumors surrounding the Devils’ own franchise center Nico Hischier, noting that there is no real indication Hischier wants out or is seeking a move. His agent recently compared him to Aleksander Barkov, and extension talks appear to be going well, making a departure unlikely for now 14:35. Nonetheless, Zach Berman emphasizes that things in the NHL can change quickly, and the Devils’ lack of recent success means they need to shore up the team around their young stars to keep them happy and committed 17:21.
To close, the episode offers an update on contract negotiations for Arseny Gritsyuk, a promising young Devils forward. Extension talks with Gritsyuk reportedly are progressing smoothly, with his camp interested in a deal longer than two years and projections putting a potential contract at about six years for $5 million AAV 22:53. Zach Berman highlights Gritsyuk as a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season and applauds the organization’s ability to develop talent like him internally, which is vital for roster depth and cap flexibility as the franchise looks to build for future contention 23:24.
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Zach Berman begins by announcing that Anton Silayev, the New Jersey Devils’ 2024 10th overall pick, has signed his entry-level contract and arrived in North America 00:00:11. The signing is described as an important, if not top, offseason task for the Devils, as Silayev represents the club’s premier position-player prospect not previously stateside. Zach Berman discusses Silayev strengths—his size and skating—but notes concerns about his disappointing KHL development and reduced ice time, questioning how much of that is due to his own performance versus his KHL environment 00:03:34.
A significant segment is spent critiquing Tom Fitzgerald’s draft logic and decision-making, especially the choice to select Silayev over Finnish center Konsta Helenius, with Zach Berman reading Fitzgerald’s justification as superficial and suggesting it contributed to Fitzgerald missing out on subsequent GM opportunities 00:05:07. Zach Berman reflects on how some picks made after Silayev, such as Zeev Buium and Helenius, have quickly become high-impact players elsewhere, fueling skepticism within the fanbase about Silayev as a Fitzgerald pick.
Despite past misgivings, Zach Berman urges listeners to approach Silayev North American debut with an open mind, recognizing both the risk that he might underperform and the potential that he could evolve into a valuable asset 00:10:09. Noting upcoming rookie camp and the need for new coaching in Utica to foster Silayev growth, Zach Berman frames this as a test for the Devils’ new management and their player development philosophy.
The remainder of the episode surveys offseason uncertainty: the Devils’ yet-to-be-filled front office roles, the ongoing NHL draft speculation regarding their 12th overall pick, and general impatience among fans awaiting decisive moves 00:26:01. Zach Berman closes by acknowledging the “blah” of the waiting game but encourages fans to stay tuned for what he anticipates will be the most consequential offseason in recent Devils history 00:29:09. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Zach Berman opens the episode reacting in real time to trade rumors linking the New Jersey Devils to Jason Robertson, noting how such breaking news disrupts the usual show plans. He dives into Chris Johnston's annual NHL trade board, reviewing player-by-player which rumored trade targets might realistically fit the Devils’ needs and financial constraints. Among those discussed are Vincent Trocheck, Jordan Kyrou, Mason McTavish, and talents like Shane Wright and Matthew Knies—with Zach Berman offering insights on whom the Devils should pursue or avoid. The emotional highlight is discussion of Jason Robertson; Zach Berman expresses enthusiasm at the idea of Robertson joining New Jersey, but also shares skepticism given recent indications he may sign an extension with Dallas instead.
Shifting away from trade speculation, Zach Berman covers the upcoming Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes. He characterizes both teams as formidable, albeit not personal favorites, and analyzes their strengths, coaching styles, and the playoff journey that led each to the Final. Despite his bias towards Vegas, Zach Berman ultimately predicts the Hurricanes will win in a close seven-game series, highlighting key players and the narrative stakes for both franchises.
The show also spotlights major international developments: Nico Hischier and Timo Meier’s strong performances at the World Championships, where they have led Switzerland to the Finals on home ice. Zach Berman praises both Devils stars for their offensive output with Team Switzerland, while lamenting that such production hasn't consistently translated to their NHL play. He notes the significance of Switzerland’s run and briefly mentions other Devils-related storylines, such as Jonas Siegenthaler's absence due to injury.
Finally, Zach Berman shares insider updates about the Devils' roster and management detailing potential offseason moves, including who might be traded or released from the current roster, and provides some behind-the-scenes anecdotes about past management decisions. The episode closes with reminders to subscribe, join premium clubs for ad-free content, and a bit of light-hearted news about Arseny Gritsyuk off-ice activities.
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Zach Berman opened the episode by addressing the tragic news of New Jersey Devils legend Claude Lemieux's death at age 60, following a struggle with mental health. Zach Berman detailed the circumstances, explaining that Lemieux was found by his son at a property he owned in Florida. Lemieux had been a prominent figure in hockey, winning four Stanley Cups with multiple teams and leaving a significant mark on the Devils' franchise and the broader NHL. His recent appearance as a torch bearer for the Montreal Canadiens just days earlier made the loss even more shocking, and Zach Berman urged listeners to check in on loved ones, emphasizing the seriousness of mental health struggles.

The episode moved to reflect on Lemieux's career and legacy. Zach Berman highlighted Lemieux's crucial role in the Devils' history, especially as their first Conn Smythe Trophy winner and a player whose grit and tenacity embodied the team's identity. Lemieux was known for being a fierce competitor, often disliked by opponents, and celebrated for his postseason heroics, ranking ninth all-time in playoff goals. Zach Berman outlined Lemieux's numerous accolades, including his induction into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Hall of Fame, and speculated that his place in the Devils’ Ring of Honor is assured.

The discussion then shifted to the Devils' offseason considerations, particularly regarding defensive players Dougie Hamilton and Simon Nemec. Zach Berman relayed recent reports, suggesting that while trade rumors surrounding Nemec were refuted, his future with the team is uncertain, especially given rumored contract demands. Zach Berman argued that Hamilton remains an indispensable offensive defenseman, cautioning fans against moving him too soon and emphasizing the need to retain key talent while rebuilding. He noted that Dougie Hamilton provides a rare skill set for the Devils, and removing him without a suitable replacement would be detrimental.

Finally, Zach Berman addressed the ongoing contract negotiations with captain Nico Hischier, describing them as amicable and positive. He predicted that Hischier would likely sign an extension, underscoring his importance as one of the league’s best defensive centers and a pillar for the team as they seek to contend again. Zach Berman closed by reminding listeners of the broader context following Lemieux’s passing, encouraging others to check on those around them and reflecting on the profound impact Lemieux had on the hockey world and all who knew him. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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