Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

New Jersey's 4-3 win over Edmonton won't go down as a masterpiece, but it was a very solid performance that featured a major win for Sheldon Keefe thanks to Connor Brown's two-point night. Connor Hellebuyck was okay, but does his meer presence adjust the prior expectations on the Devils? Alex Wiederspiel and Jess Amato take stock of the Devils first 15 games and how they've impacted their initial expectations. Plus, Connor Brown seems to have gotten over the hump. Can anyone else join him on Hump Day?
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The Hometown Remix jerseys debuted to some mixed (and amusing) results across the league. What did you think about the New Jersey Devils new sweater? Plus, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl come to town, likely leading to a major test for Nico Hischier. Evan Rodrigues is battling illness, which could limit the Devils depth down the lineup against an Oilers group that has still struggled when both McDavid and Draisaitl aren't on the ice. Could Anthony Mantha perhaps take advantage of a softer matchup?
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Talkiatry
Head to https://Talkiatry.com/LOCKEDONNHL to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Navy Federal Credit Union
If you've served in any branch of the military, are serving now or are part of a military family, you could become a member of Navy Federal, too. To find out more and see if you're eligible, visit https://navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA.
Bauer
Bring your game to life with the BAUER PULSE 2 stick, available at your local Bauer retailer or online at https://bauer.com. Use promo code LOCKEDON26 to get free standard shipping on your order. One code use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.
Indeed
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Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
FanDuel
Make this your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Download the app or visit http://FanDuel.com to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The New Jersey Devils 2-1-0 stretch out west included two brilliant wins and one unsurprising 'schedule' loss. Plus, it was a banner month in New Jersey (after a slow start). We reveal our stars of the month from a crowded field of potentials, including high praise for Arseny Gritsyuk, Luke Hughes, Brett Pesce and a not-so-surprising reveal for the first star.
It's Metro Monday. Alex Wiederspiel and Jess Amato take a few minutes to give the thumbs up or the thumbs down to the other seven teams in the Metropolitan Division. Hint: Canes up, Rangers down.
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Talkiatry
Head to https://Talkiatry.com/LOCKEDONNHL to complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Navy Federal Credit Union
If you've served in any branch of the military, are serving now or are part of a military family, you could become a member of Navy Federal, too. To find out more and see if you're eligible, visit https://navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA.
Bauer
Bring your game to life with the BAUER PULSE 2 stick, available at your local Bauer retailer or online at https://bauer.com. Use promo code LOCKEDON26 to get free standard shipping on your order. One code use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.
Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
FanDuel
Make this your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Download the app or visit http://FanDuel.com to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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At this point, you've heard all about the primary acquisition. Connor Hellebuyck is officially the starting netminder of the New Jersey Devils. Good news! There's been a secondary acquisition when it comes to the Devils, and you're the first to hear about it.
Alex Wiederspiel is the host of Locked On NHL Game Night and a professional play-by-play. Jess Amato is a credentialed New Jersey Devils reporter with The Hockey Writers.
Meet the newest team on this trailer for the new edition of Locked On New Jersey Devils, returning soon to YouTube or a preferred podcasting platform near you.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Navy Federal Credit Union
If you've served in any branch of the military, are serving now or are part of a military family, you could become a member of Navy Federal, too. To find out more and see if you're eligible, visit https://navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA.
Bauer
Bring your game to life with the BAUER PULSE 2 stick, available at your local Bauer retailer or online at https://bauer.com. Use promo code LOCKEDON26 to get free standard shipping on your order. One code use per customer. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.
Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
FanDuel
Make this your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Download the app or visit http://FanDuel.com to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Zach Berman opens the episode by expressing exhaustion over the ongoing Quinn Hughes saga, emphasizing that the week is considered "make-or-break" regarding Hughes' future with the Minnesota Wild. Recapping developments, Zach Berman points out how earlier in the summer it seemed inevitable Hughes would re-sign in Minnesota by July 1st, but growing uncertainty and hints of indecision from Hughes have since cast significant doubt on that outcome. By this point, the likelihood of Hughes signing long-term with the Wild is considered slim, and Zach Berman now anticipates Hughes will test free agency next summer instead of committing to Minnesota in any form this offseason.
Zach Berman further analyzes the dilemma this causes for the Wild: is retaining Hughes as a rental worth the risk of losing him for nothing? Though New Jersey Devils fans are eager for a reunion of the Hughes brothers, Zach Berman cautions that such a move is unlikely before next offseason. He speculates that Minnesota could even trade Hughes elsewhere in the Metropolitan Division out of spite, making it purposefully difficult for New Jersey to acquire him and potentially favoring rivals like Philadelphia, Washington, Edmonton, or Tampa Bay, all of whom might be "one Quinn Hughes away" from a strong playoff run.
Turning to the media landscape, Zach Berman criticizes inconsistent and speculative reporting around the saga. He highlights contradictions between reports—from claims of ongoing negotiations to others stating there have been none—and frustrations about the media putting words in Hughes’ mouth or ascribing motives, obligations, and future decisions to the player. Zach Berman argues that Hughes owes nothing to his current or potential teams, and that he should be free to make his own choices without narrative pressure.
The latter part of the episode shifts to Devils-specific questions as rookies prepare to report. Zach Berman discusses issues such as the short leash for coach Sheldon Keefe, the necessity for aggressive management from Sunny Mehta, questions about Jack Hughes’ health, the team’s finishing ability, Luke Hughes’ development, and especially the ongoing concern in goal. He concludes by emphasizing that the Devils’ past inactivity has often been their downfall, and that this season's success hinges on real urgency and adaptability across the organization.
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Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.


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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)






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