Devils Training Camp is Underway | NOTEBOOK

It's that time of year again, Devils training camp is underway! After players participated in media day on Wednesday, the team hit the ice Thursday to prepare for the 2023-24 campaign. Before practices started, the Devils announced the 57 players participating in this year's training camp. The current group is made up of eight goaltenders, 17 defensemen, and 32 forwards.

As practices get underway, the training camp roster is split between three groups: A, B, C. Starting Friday and continuing through the weekend, the groups will scrimmage, playing each team once.

The Devils preseason slate of games starts on Monday with half the team playing in Montreal against the Canadiens, and the other half hosting the Philadelphia Flyers at Prudential Center. New Jersey will play their next two preseason games on the road, first in New York against Rangers on Sept. 28 and then in Philadelphia against the Flyers on Sept. 30. The Devils return home to host the New York Islanders on Oct. 2 and the Rangers on Oct. 4 before the final pre-season game on Long Island on Oct. 6.

The Groups

Group A:

Forwards: Tyce Thompson, Michael McLeod, Curtis Lazar, Max Willman, Jesper Bratt, Tyler Toffoli, Filip Engaras, Jack Hughes, Tomas Nosek

Defensemen: Brendan Smith, Colin Miller, Luke Hughes, Cal Foote, Michael Vukojevic, Kevin Bahl, Joe Gambardella (skating as a defenseman)

Goaltenders: Tyler Brennan, Vitek Vanecek

Group B:

Forwards: Alexander Holtz, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Joe Gamberdella, Justin Dowling, Kyle Criscuolo, Brian Halonen, Cam Squires, Xavier Parent, Ryan Schmelzer, Josh Filmon

Defensemen: John Marino, Simon Nemec, Tyler Wotherspoon, Colin Felix, Daniil Misyul

Goaltenders: Akira Schmid, Isaac Poulter

Group C:

Forwards: Chris Tierney, Shane Bowers, Ondrej Palat, Nolan Foote, Erik Haula, Chase Stillman, Cole Brown, Timur Ibragimov, Dawson Mercer, Graeme Clarke

Defensemen: Dougie Hamilton, Tobias Vilen, Robbie Russo, Jonas Siegenthaler, Santeri Hatakka

Goaltenders: Keith Kinkaid, Erik Kallgren, Jeremy Brodeur

Today's Videos:

Group A Interviews: Bratt | J. Hughes | Lazar | Toffoli | Vanecek

Group B Interviews: Meier | Hischier | Holtz | Schmid

Group C Interviews: Mercer | Hamilton | Palat

Press Conference: Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and Head Coach Lindy Ruff

A New Year

The first practice day of training camp brings a strong back-to-school energy whether you’re a veteran player or a rookie.

“Just driving to the rink today, it doesn’t matter how old you are, if it’s your first year or 11th or whatever it is for me, I still had the butterflies,” Tyler Toffoli explained. “It’s like your first day of school. So seeing that I was going to be on a line with Hughes and Bratt, you know expectations are high, and I want to do the best I can.”

When Ondrej Palat entered training camp last season it was his first one with a new team. Now entering year two, it's an easier, more familiar situation.

“Way easier,” Palat explained about his second year with the Devils. “We have a house, a nice setup, you know your teammates and everybody around the team so it makes it easier and it was really nice.”

Although the regular season doesn’t kick off for another few weeks, according to veterans Jesper Bratt, Dougie Hamilton, and Timo Meier, training camp sets the expectations for the whole year.

“This is where it starts, this is where we set the tone for the whole organization in every single practice,” Bratt explained about training camp. “And in the way we play games are starting in practice. How we take care of the puck in practice, and how we battle and make sure that we set the standard to make the games feel as easy as possible. Obviously training camp is a great first time to get into the structure but also feel out each other a bit and start competing.”

"We are hoping to do something like we did last year," Hamilton said. "Where we had a good preseason and then a good start to the season."

“Training camp, you set the foundation for the season,” Meier shared. “Just how you go out there, the attitude. I think the harder you work together, the tighter you get as a team. So I think that’s really important that everybody has the right mindset, everybody’s pulling on the same string. It’s that time of the year and I think everybody worked hard over the summer, does their summer preparation and comes here and you want to show what you got.

“Guys trying to make the team, guys that have been here, you want to earn your spot," Meier continued. "I think that’s what we come here (with) and we got to push each other to get better every day.”

Game-by-Game

Last training camp the Devils were confident with the group they had and knew New Jersey would make a splash in the NHL. After finishing second in the Metropolitan Division and making it to the Second Round of the playoffs, the Devils showed they were ready to compete now.

Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald added in some key pieces and depth including Tyler Toffoli, Tomas Nosek, and Colin Miller. For the players returning to New Jersey, they're confident in this year's group.

“We took another step from last year," Bratt shared. "We added some new core guys and we also added a lot of great depth that this team is going to need to go forward and be even more successful than we were last year. So I think our whole group really felt that the moves made this off-season, the additions that we got in, really strengthen our team. It’s going to be exciting in the next couple of days to get all these practices going and preseason games and see how this team is going to be.”

Now that the Devils have shown they're ready to be a threat, a target is put on their backs unlike past seasons.

“I think building off that year is a big thing,” Dawson Mercer shared following Thursday’s practice. “We know where we stand within the league and we believe in ourselves. So just coming in with that mentality, practicing every day hard, using this time to prepare for the season. We want to be ready for game one and there’s no better time to prepare for that than now.”

“It is different,” Hischier shared about this season. “It makes it even harder too, I feel like. We have to be ready. Nothing is going to be easy, I would say it’s going to be even harder (than last year). Teams are going to be ready for us this year, but that’s what you want. You want those expectations to be high. We all have really high expectations and that’s how you become a winning team and that’s what we’re looking for.”

For players like Hischier who have been a part of the Devils rebuild over the last decade, it's a new mindset to have entering a season.

“We’ve been so patient about it all the years,” Hischier explained, “We want to look forward. We want to get right back to where we ended and focus on a really good start because that definitely helps. And try not to look too much ahead and take it game-by-game.”

Game-by-game is exactly the mindset that Meier has entering training camp and a mindset he believes creates success.

“Going into the season, every team sets their goal to make the playoffs,” Meier said. “You’ve got to know you’re not the only team out there working hard. So I think it’s important not to think too far. We start with the Day 1, we’ve got the Day 1 done now and next practice is tomorrow. Come in, and get one-percent better. I think that’s kind of the thing you got to keep in your head, to move day-by-day and just keep taking a step forward every day.”

Health Updates

Jack Hughes is ready to go after spending the off-season healing from a playoff injury and training for this year. 

“I feel good now, obviously had a lot of time off,” Jack Hughes shared about feeling healthy and ready. “I feel good heading into camp and you know, mentally I’m really excited to get going on the year.”

After suffering a wrist injury last season, Dougie Hamilton spent the off-season focused on recovery. He gave an update following his first practice of training camp.

“(It's) way better than it was,” Hamilton shared. “Obviously a lot of work this summer, not a lot of fun activities and stuff which is fine with me. It feels great now and I’m sure I’ll just get better and better as I go and do more stuff (on the ice).”

Ondrej Palat suffered a groin injury early last season. Although he was able to return during the year much healthier, a solid off-season has him confident entering this year.

“It’s been a longer summer than the last couple of years so it was great,” Palat shared. “I could relax a little bit but then get in shape more and train harder. So I’m ready and excited for the season.”

Curtis Lazar suffered a lower-body injury after the Devils acquired him at the trade deadline. He spent some of the off-season focused on his recovery but is back to full strength heading into this season.

"I'm healthy, full family's over here, so it's all hands on deck," Lazar shared about heading into a new season. "(I felt 100%) pretty quickly (into the off-season). Limited minutes after the season, hopping into rehab right away to get back up to speed ... I'm very appreciative and thankful my body's healthy and compete at my highest potential now."

The Devils Netminders

Last season, Vitek Vanecek took the reins as an NHL starting goaltender for the first time in his career. He played 52 games in the regular season, starting 48 of them. It was a big change but one that taught him plenty, especially with his mindset.

“Trying to help the guys winning the games, like every single game and just be calm and not panicking,” Vanecek shared. “See the guys like I can help them in the net and then I know they can help me.”

Although he’s expected to be the Devils starting goaltender, Vanecek feels he needs to continue to prove himself and earn that spot.

“You never know if you will be the number one or not,” Vanecek explained. “You have to grind in the camp and then you’re going to see exhibition games and then you’re going to see what’s going to happen.”

Akira Schmid made a strong case to be the other goaltender in New Jersey last season and the relationship Vanecek and Schmid have is growing.

"(Schmid's) a great guy," Vanecek shared. "He's a little bit quiet but he's talking a little bit more. He's a great guy, I can't complain about anything."

When asked about his relationship with Vanecek, Schmid explained why he's less quiet this year.

“In the morning (Vanecek's) the first guy just starts talking to me, and he kind of doesn’t stop," Schmid joked. "It’s great, he’s a fun guy and I opened up a little more to him this year, (I’m) just a little more comfortable around the guys. Trying to be more open too. He’s been great, all last year too.”

When it comes to a battle for playing time between this goaltender duo, both are eager for the opportunity to get in net. It may be a competition, but a friendly one, that will allow each to grow while supporting the other's success.

“We have to push each other so to have some friendly competition,” Schmid explained. “Obviously we both want to play but the more we push each other in practice and games the better the outcome is for the both of us.”

Schmid spent some of the off-season on Long Island before heading home to Switzerland to continue his preparations for the 2023-24 campaign. He focused on getting stronger to play a full season and gained some weight. His increased time in the NHL last year helped him learn what he needed to achieve for this season.

“Just the whole experience, getting to feel what it’s like to play in the playoffs,” Schmid shared. “Getting to play a couple more NHL games in the regular season that helps a lot. Like last year, you know what to expect now...over the summer too, with the workouts, how you got to feel to start camp and how you have to feel on the ice too.”

Holtz's Opportunity

It was a big off-season for Alexander Holtz who focused on his skating, speed, and becoming more competitive. Coming into training camp, he’s exuding confidence from his hard work and progress.

“I worked a bunch this summer, so I’m happy to be back,” Holtz explained. “Feeling good out there, just trying to use my speed, use my game, and try to be better.”

“I just feel like faster right now," Holtz also shared. “More control of everything too. When I turn and stuff and switch from side-to-side I feel like everything there is more comfortable. If you have that it improves your game, you feel more confident out there and that’s a huge part.”

Holtz spent last season split between the Utica Comets in the American Hockey League and the Devils. With New Jersey he played 19 games where he had three goals and one assist for four points. With Utica, he played 14 games, scored six goals, and had 11 total points. He also picked up six games of Calder Cup playoff experience with the Comets where he contributed five assists.

Entering this year's training camp, he's fighting for a main roster spot. With Group B, he started training camp on a line with Nico Hischier and Timo Meier. Holtz explained the significance of playing with these two on the first day.

"It's an awesome opportunity for me," Holtz said following practice. "It's two of the best guys in this league too. It's really fun to be out there playing with them and learn from them as well because I'm still very young. (It was) really fun to be able to skate with them today.

Following practice, Meier and Hischier shared their impressions of Holtz and how he's improved over the off-season.

“Big year for him,” Hischier explained. “What I’ve seen so far I like it. He’s been working on himself a lot. He knows it’s a big year for him and he probably expects a lot from himself as well. I’m excited to be with him on a line, be with him in the training camp group and just try to help him as much as a I can. But, he’ll do his own way, he’s a great kid and you see he’s been working hard this summer.”

“He’s got a great skill set,” Meier shared. “Young guy, I think for him the sky’s the limit. It’s important for him to come in every day, keep working on his game, and stay patient too. And just give it everything he’s got. He’s got a great skill set, a great shot, so it’s fun to be out there with him and just get to work.”

The Versatile Forward

When it comes to Dawson Mercer, the Devils have and will continue to rely on his versatility. In his first year with New Jersey, he played the majority of the year at center. Last season, he was often on the wing. For Mercer, it doesn't matter where he goes, he's ready to play.

“I’ve played my full life everything, switching back and forth,” Mercer explained. “My first season, Hughes was injured there for a lot (of games) so I moved (to center). From looking back last year I pretty much was completely wing and I’m comfortable with that. I like supporting guys, playing with them, and when I get the puck on my stick I want to try to put it in the net as quickly as I can or make a smart play. I just like having that aspect of my game so I can play wherever they want to put me.”

In addition to his comfort playing both positions, the Devils systems allow Mercer to move from center to wing easily.

“We’re not really designated when we come back from the d-zone," Mercer shared. "We’re more 1, 2, 3. Pretty much, you’ve got to be able to play them all, so that’s how our system is and I think building over these last two years has just really grown and you understand it better and better every time and I’m comfortable right now wherever.”

Newest Coach Brings Connections:

There's a new face on the bench for the Devils this season as Associate Coach Travis Green joins the coaching staff.

“(He's) a great addition,” Ruff said. “I didn’t know a lot about him, I didn’t know him personally. I heard a lot of great things, met with him a few times and just his energy and enthusiasm for coaching and talking about helping players develop. The way he looks at the game from an offensive side, and not just offense, he was a head coach in Vancouver. I think he has a lot of respect for how hard the game is, where we can improve the game. He’s already looked a lot at our games and asked why did we do this, can we do this better, is there a reason (for this)? It’s a valuable piece that has a lot of experience, and he has a lot of experience with younger players, and I think he’s going to be a great addition.”

The majority of the roster may be new to Green but he gets to reunite with Tyler Toffoli after coaching him in Vancouver.

“We had a really good relationship,” Toffoli shared about Green. “We stayed in touch over the years too which has been good. So talking to him in the summer we kind of joked around a little bit, saying we’re back together and excited to work together again.”

Although this is Jack Hughes’ first time working with Green, his older brother Quinn played for him on the Canucks. Hughes is eager for the opportunity to get to know Green better and work with him this season.

“I haven’t been able to talk to him too much (yet),” Hughes shared on Thursday. “I know he did a good job with Quinn out in Vancouver and he’s a guy that played a lot of years in the NHL. So for sure he knows a thing or two. (Former Devils Associate Coach Andrew Brunette) did a good job with us but we’re excited to have Green here and I’m looking forward to talk to him and getting to know him a bit more.”

Reunited in Jersey

When Tomas Nosek joined the Devils this off-season, he already had a familiar face to turn to: forward Curtis Lazar. The two played together, and often on the same line, with the Boston Bruins during the 2021-22 season.

"Nosek's great," Lazar said. "We were hand-in-hand in Boston for an entire season. I don't think I saw the ice without him that whole season. So to have him back here, it's great. He's a great player. Similar games in the sense that we're more defensive first but we have that chemistry. He's a great guy and he's here to win. He's enjoying getting used to everyone, the systems, and I'm glad I'm able to help him out too because I do have a bit of familiarity with the systems."

-Catherine Bogart, NJD.TV