DEVILS WEEKLY: Wrecking Bahl and Poker Chips

Happy Friday, Devils fans!
It's starting to look like hockey will return VERY soon, which I know brings everyone reading this great joy. Reports from hockey analysts and reporters are things are moving forward and we can't wait to cover real games again. As fun as the simulated games where this offseason, let's just say we're ready to move forward.
And now, let's move forward with Devils Weekly. Here's what was happening the past week in Devils news and coverage.

Bahl is ready to make the jump to the pro game, likely in the American Hockey League, but with his size and ability you never know. Maybe he'll see some time in the NHL soon.
"That's definitely the goal, but you can't, I don't like to talk about stuff like that," Bahl admitted, "it's more of you got to go out there. And you just got to show what you can do] I mean you can't just talk, you got to perform. And that's what it's really about. I could just sit up here and say a bunch of stuff and then be horrible. And that wouldn't look very good."
Devils fans can give a listen wherever they find their podcasts or visit **[NewJerseyDevils.com/podcast.**

GIVING BACK

We mentioned the Devils Gift of Giving program last week, but this week our own Catherine Bogart provides a more in-depth look at the program and the charity beneficiaries, Newark Working Kitchens, Believe in Newark, and Jersey Cares. Have a look and if you would like to donate and receive a special limited edition t-shirt, visit NewJerseyDevils.com/giftofgiving.

KNOW WHEN TO HOLD EM

Ken Daneyko, Mr. Devil himself, is a big poker player. And he chats with Poker Star Daniel Negreanu ahead of this Sunday when the Devils legend will go all-in for Devils Care Foundation at the 2020 World Series of Poker $10,000 event. Check out the video below!

PROSPECT COVERAGE

We had two pieces of prospect coverage this week you should take a look at. The first is a feature story on Artem Shlaine, who is an absolute sponge for all things hockey.
"There were times I thought he could have coached the team better than me," said the director of hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary Ben Umhoefer.
Shlaine was taken 130th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.
We also brought you our weekly Prospect Watch presented by Verizon on Wednesday with the spotlight on Penn State's Aarne Talvitie.

THE WEEK AHEAD

On Monday, Amanda Stein and I chat with Player Development coaches Eric Weinrich and Patrik Rissmiller to give fans an inside look at the department that often works in the shadows.
Here are some key dates in Devils history coming up as compiled by Amanda.
December 12
2008- For the first time at Prudential Center, the Devils beat their biggest rival, the New York Rangers, with an 8-5 win at The Rock
December 16:
2011 - Scott Niedermayer's number 27 is retired by the Devils
2019 - The Devils trade Taylor Hall to Arizona and acquire Coyotes acquire Nick Merkley and Nate Schnarr, defenseman Kevin Bahl, a conditional first-round pick in 2020, and a conditional third-round pick in 2021
December 17
2011- Patrik Elias scored two goals to equal and surpass John MacLean (347) as the all-time leader in franchise history
December 18
2009 - Martin Brodeur surpasses Patrick Roy's league record for most games played (1,029) among goaltenders in league history
2018 - Mackenzie Blackwood made his NHL debut vs. Toronto, entering the game in relief of Keith Kinkaid, stopping 8 of 10 shots faced
Devils fans, have a great weekend. Stay safe.