KEEFE AVAILABILITY RECAP
NEWARK, NJ - The Devils’ young players will get their first preseason test this afternoon against an Islanders lineup featuring a pair of familiar faces.
Anton Silaev, Seamus Casey and Amadeus Lombardi are among those looking to make an early impression at Prudential Center, while former Devils Ondrej Palat and Vitek Vanecek return with New York.
David Rittich is scheduled to play the full game for New Jersey, and head coach Sheldon Keefe will get an opportunity to evaluate a lineup that brings together players with different goals for training camp.
“Some guys are here to gain some experience, some guys are pushing for the roster, some are preparing for the regular season in the NHL, and some are pushing for call-ups coming out of the AHL,” Keefe said.
The shortened camp adds urgency to that process. Keefe said the Devils have moved more quickly to bring their NHL players together, including getting into special teams work at Saturday’s practice. But he believes the biggest adjustment falls on the players trying to earn jobs, with fewer opportunities to get noticed.
“There’s just not as much time to make decisions,” Keefe said.
SILAEV GETS HIS OPPORTUNITY
Silaev will skate alongside Vladislav Kolyachonok as the Devils get an early look at the young defenseman in NHL preseason action.
With two rookie games already behind him, Silaev has had an opportunity to begin adjusting to his new surroundings. Keefe believes that experience should help him enter Sunday’s game a little more prepared.
“You just want to give him an opportunity to play, get right to it,” Keefe said.
Silaev also brings experience playing professionally in Russia, giving him a foundation as he takes this next step.
“He’s coming from a very good professional league over in Russia,” Keefe said. “It’s a good chance for us to evaluate him here in our environment.”
CASEY’S CALLING CARD
Casey will be paired with Ethan Edwards, with Keefe encouraging him to trust the skill that allows him to make a difference with the puck.
Asked about Casey’s opportunity coming off an injury, Keefe said he wants the young defenseman to play confidently and consistently give the coaching staff reasons to notice him.
“Keep showing up on the clips, keep making plays, keep getting noticed with the opportunities that you get,” Keefe said.
Casey’s development will include continued work on his defensive game, but Keefe wants that growth to come alongside the offensive instincts that make him effective.
“As he continues to mature as a young defenseman, he’s going to improve in the areas we want him to improve on with his defensive play and such,” Keefe said. “But his calling card is how he can impact the offense. So, go out and be confident and free and make some plays.”
LOMBARDI WITH GLASS AND BROWN
Up front, Lombardi will skate on the left side of Cody Glass and Connor Brown, continuing the combination used during the opening days of camp.
Lenni Hämeenaho will line up alongside Riley Tufte and Colin White, while Matyas Melovsky centers Ben Steeves and Xavier Parent. Shane Lachance and Cam Squires flank Ryan Schmelzer.
Brenden Dillon and Declan Chisholm complete the defensive pairings, with Jakub Malek dressing alongside Rittich in goal.
Looking ahead, Keefe anticipates both Jake Allen and Nico Daws seeing action in the next preseason game, with each potentially getting a full game later in the schedule.
