Devils Open 2024 Training Camp | NOTEBOOK

The Devils open their 2024 Training Camp Thursday with a series of practices among four groupings the 68 players attending. The practices will conclude at the end of the day with general manager Tom Fitzgerald and head coach Sheldon Keefe speaking addressing the media.

The first group will hit the ice for practice around 10 a.m. Stay tuned to the notebook for the latest info, updates, interviews, videos and more from the practice session!

Group 1 Practice

The Devils are on the ice for practice. A lot of big names are skating with this group, including Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier and Jacob Markstrom. The workflow is below...

They Sait It (Group 1)

Jack Hughes on lessons from last year: "We were brutal. There are a lot of things that went down. We're into the new year now and we're not looking back. We're excited with the group we have the opportunity in front of us."

Markstrom on Day 1 work: "The D-goalie exchange to how everybody moves and the system we play. Watch a lot of video. It’s pretty similar across the league. It’s more about new faces and everyone getting comfortable with each other and the communication. It’s a lot of stuff to touch on but we got a head start."

Bratt on the shortened camp before heading to Prague: “The start is important. Obviously, we have a little bit different preseason this year in terms of going to Prague. Everything has to move a little quicker. That’s why it’s important to really put everything you have into each practice, and you get everything out if that you possibly can to get guys comfortable in the system and make sure we are ready. Today was a great step in that direction to make ourselves more comfortable in the system and the way we need to play.”

Cotter on the team playing physical: “I don’t think it’s too hard to finish your check. It’s not cool to not try. It’s going to be cool to push each other and expect the best out of each other.”

Meier on recovering from shoulder surgery: “It was definitely a busy summer with having surgery and spending a lot of time on rehab. I was lucky, treated real well by the staff here and the people I was working with back home. They took great care of me. … I’m glad that’s behind me and everything is feeling great.”

Kovacevic on fighting for ice time: “The strength of the wolf is in the pack, the strength of the pack is in the wolf. It’s just going to elevate my game and make me better. I’m looking forward to it.”

Group 2 Practice Team

They Said It (Group 2)

Tatar on returning to New Jersey: “I’m so happy to be back and put this sweater on.”

Hischier on reuniting on a line with Tatar: "I love playing with 'Tuna.' He’s a really hard-working guy that can score and make plays. I’m the same. I’m not too flashy. I want to go out there and work hard. Get in the dirty areas. I think that’s why we match as linemates. It’s good to have him back.”

Dillon on Day 1: "Christmas morning. It was a blast."

Hamilton on re-uniting with former Carolina teammate Brett Pesce: “He’s a great all-around player. I didn’t pair with him but I always really loved watching him. Now to have him with us is going to be huge for us.”

For Love of the Game

Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton opened up about his long rehab last season and his excitement about a new beginning.

On Thursday as the Devils hit the ice for the first practice of training camp, it also marked the first time Hamilton, 31, has practiced with his teammates in nearly 10 months. I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

“When things get taken away from you, it puts a different perspective for you when hockey’s gone,” he told the Devils official website in an exclusive interview. “Now, I’m just happy to be out there. I’m happy to be out there with 10 guys, happy to be out there with 20 guys and doing all that kind of stuff.

“Whereas, when everything was good (and I was healthy), every day is just what it is. I’m just enjoying all those little steps now and looking forward to training camp, then the next steps of coming back.”

Full story here.