Locked On Devils - Daily Podcast On The New Jersey Devils

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Locked On Devils podcast is the daily podcast that drops the puck and keeps you ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the New Jersey Devils and the National Hockey League. Hosted by lifelong Devils fan and New Jersey Hockey Now writer Zach Berman, the Locked On Devils podcast provides your daily Devils’ fix with expert opinions, local analysis, and coverage of all aspects of Brick City’s own Devils franchise. The Locked On Devils podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

  1. Previewing the New Jersey Devils 2026 Offseason With JP Gambatese

    6H AGO

    Previewing the New Jersey Devils 2026 Offseason With JP Gambatese

    The episode, hosted by Zach Berman, dives into a highly anticipated New Jersey Devils offseason, described as one of the most consequential in franchise history. Zach Berman welcomes JP Gambatese to discuss initial impressions of the Devils’ new front office hires, most notably praising the appointments of Sunny Mehta and Braden Birch, both with strong reputations from the Florida Panthers organization. The conversation highlights optimism around Mehta’s modern approach and Birch’s cap management expertise, with speculation about potential further additions from successful teams like Florida, including Bryan McCabe. Attention then shifts to the coaching situation. Zach Berman and JP Gambatese examine the surprise firing of Kris Knoblauch in Edmonton and weigh whether he would be an upgrade over current Devils coach Sheldon Keefe. While both acknowledge Keefe’s post-Olympic improvements with the Devils, JP Gambatese expresses that Knoblauch up-tempo, rush-centric style could further maximize the Devils’ roster—especially given their young, dynamic core. Roster construction and offseason strategy form the next major topic. Both agree the Devils should avoid overcommitting in free agency after observing the league's recent risky contracts. Instead, they see value in targeted trades, with the likely scenario of the Devils flipping the 12th overall pick for a top-six forward. Names like Jason Robertson, Robert Thomas, and Maveric Bourque are discussed as dream or realistic targets, while JP Gambatese also suggests Patrick Laine as a potential low-risk, high-upside reclamation project. The possibility of moving players like Simon Nemec or Dawson Mercer to acquire elite talent is also debated. Lastly, they delve into the draft strategy, advocating best-player-available regardless of position and highlighting prospects such as Viggo Bjorck, Wyatt Cullen, and Tynan Lawrence as strong candidates at pick #12. The episode closes with a look at goaltending, where both Zach Berman and JP Gambatese see Jacob Markstrom as a possible bounce-back option and emphasize that improving scoring and puck movement are greater priorities than changing netminders. The discussion concludes on a hopeful note for the Devils’ offseason, with an expectation for significant roster moves and continued coverage from JP Gambatese. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min
  2. Yikes: The New Jersey Devils need to STAY AWAY from Free Agency

    2D AGO

    Yikes: The New Jersey Devils need to STAY AWAY from Free Agency

    Charlie Coyle's recent contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets—a six-year deal at $6 million per year despite Coyle being 34—serves as a warning sign for the New Jersey Devils about the dangers of overpaying in free agency. Zach Berman urges the Devils to steer clear of such costly contracts when shopping for players in 2026, emphasizing that the team is in a much better position now with a savvy new general manager leading their front office restructuring. The landscape of NHL management is also shifting, with news about potential GM hires in Nashville and Vancouver signaling wider changes—but Zach Berman notes that the Devils' recent hire of Sunny Mehta might be the most impressive move among teams this offseason. Analyzing the upcoming free agent market, Zach Berman highlights how several available players bring significant risk and are likely to command overpriced deals. Names like Darren Raddysh, who had a breakout season at age 30, and Rasmus Andersson, who is coming off an uneven run, may look tempting but are "landmine" contracts waiting to happen. Even forwards like Alex Tuch—despite strong numbers in Buffalo—are likely too expensive to justify bringing in. The majority of top free agents either do not fit the Devils' needs or are expected to re-sign with their current teams. Instead of chasing risky free agents, Zach Berman recommends the Devils focus on internal roster moves and targeting trade opportunities, especially as key players like Nico Hischier approach extension talks. The cautionary tale of Charlie Coyle’s deal underscores the danger of long-term commitments to aging players, and the Devils should focus on sustainability and flexibility rather than splashy signings that could impede their progress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 min
  3. Into the Mehtaverse: Braden Birch joins New Jersey Devils Front Office as Assistant GM + Mock Drafts

    3D AGO

    Into the Mehtaverse: Braden Birch joins New Jersey Devils Front Office as Assistant GM + Mock Drafts

    Zach Berman opened the episode by announcing that New Jersey Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta made his first major hire of the offseason, bringing in Braden Birch as Assistant General Manager and as General Manager of the Utica Comets, the Devils’ AHL affiliate. This move marks the beginning of Mehta’s efforts to strengthen the Devils’ front office, starting by recruiting talent from his previous organization, the Florida Panthers, where Birch played a pivotal role in their recent Stanley Cup successes. In detailing Birch’s background, Zach Berman highlighted his 12-year tenure with the Panthers, most recently as Director of Hockey Operations and salary cap management. Birch's experience includes significant involvement in contract negotiations for key players and maintaining Florida’s excellent salary cap health, something the Devils have struggled with in recent years. His hockey roots include playing professionally and earning a master’s degree in sport management, further underscoring his blend of on-ice and management expertise. Zach Berman provided examples of Birch’s impact in Florida, referencing his hand in savvy contracts and cap management for top players like Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Sam Reinhart. He also noted Florida’s ability to replace key departures internally and find valuable contributors through their farm system or waivers, contrasting this with New Jersey’s struggles to develop homegrown talent or depth. The hire of Birch is positioned as Mehta’s commitment to instilling a more proactive, organized, and effective approach to team building in New Jersey. To conclude, Zach Berman speculated about future front office moves, suggesting that Bryan McCabe could be another addition if not intercepted by the Maple Leafs, and addressed the current uncertainty regarding other Devils executives. He emphasized that Birch’s arrival should significantly improve the Devils’ farm system—considered among the league’s weakest—and that player development is critical to reducing reliance on expensive acquisitions. The episode closed with the assertion that Mehta’s moves signal an exciting, less predictable era for the Devils, promising ongoing updates and further discussion of mock drafts and organizational changes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min
  4. Sunny Raiding Sunrise? New Jersey Devils Looking to Fill Out New FO + Grits Extension Incoming?

    5D AGO

    Sunny Raiding Sunrise? New Jersey Devils Looking to Fill Out New FO + Grits Extension Incoming?

    Zach Berman opens the episode discussing reports that new New Jersey Devils GM Sonny Mehta is looking to bring two key front office figures from his former employer, the Florida Panthers—Bryan McCabe and Braden Birch—into the Devils organization. Zach Berman frames this as an exciting opportunity for New Jersey, particularly given the team's struggles with player development and cap management in recent years. McCabe is praised for his work as Florida's director of player development, having played a key role with several successful Panthers defensemen, while Birch is credited for his expertise in cap management and hockey operations. The episode also speculates on a possible contract extension for Arseni Gritsyuk, noting rumors that something is imminent. While Zach Berman jokes about Gritsyuk's new shaved-head look, he emphasizes the forward's value and potential as a long-term contributor to the Devils' lineup. The team’s cap situation remains a challenge, and Zach Berman anticipates that making room for extensions and restructuring contracts will be a top priority for Mehta. Coaching is another focal point, as Zach Berman addresses the uncertainty around head coach Sheldon Keefe's future. There is speculation that if the Edmonton Oilers were to fire their coach Chris Knoblauch, Mehta might consider replacing Keefe with Knoblauch, whom Zach Berman regards as a particularly strong fit for the Devils’ up-tempo style. He notes that the Devils’ current coaching and front office situation is fluid, and advises fans to be patient as Mehta methodically evaluates options. Lastly, Zach Berman reassures listeners that Mehta is taking a considered approach to building his staff, referencing the planned changes in the front office and expressing confidence in the new management’s direction. With other NHL teams facing more dire situations, Zach Berman believes New Jersey offers an especially attractive destination for ambitious executives from successful organizations. He urges patience from the fanbase, maintaining that positive changes are on the horizon as Mehta assembles his team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  5. Staying At 12: Should the New Jersey Devils Keep or Trade their First Round Pick

    MAY 7

    Staying At 12: Should the New Jersey Devils Keep or Trade their First Round Pick

    The episode, hosted by Zach Berman, centers on the New Jersey Devils' position in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft after not moving up in the lottery and remaining with the 12th overall pick. Zach Berman expresses frustration at the Devils’ frequent absence from playoff contention and the team’s repeated reliance on the draft lottery for hope, marking this as their 11th lottery appearance in 14 seasons since the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals. He notes that while the lottery didn’t yield a major setback, as with the Vancouver Canucks, it is still disappointing for fans who want to see progress. A significant portion of the discussion revolves around whether the Devils should keep or trade their 12th overall pick. Zach Berman leans toward keeping the pick, citing the team’s relatively weak prospect pool (ranked 22nd out of 32 by The Athletic) despite years of high draft picks. He argues that building up a pipeline of young, cheap talent is essential both for cap flexibility and for maintaining a steady influx of talent, which could sustainably support the Devils’ long-term competitiveness. However, Zach Berman acknowledges the arguments in favor of trading the pick, especially if it could bring in an established top-six winger—a critical need for the roster since the departure of Tyler Toffoli. He speculates about the trade market, mentioning names like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    31 min

  6. MAY 2

    Spring Cleaning: Chuck Fletcher & Dan Mackinnon FIRED by New Jersey Devils, More to Come?

    Chuck Fletcher and Dan McKinnon have been fired from the New Jersey Devils organization as part of significant changes to the team's front office, a move that Zach Berman describes as long overdue at 00:12:49. Fletcher, who served as Senior Advisor to the President, Hockey Operations and General Manager, is criticized by Zach Berman for carrying over his poor front office track record from the Philadelphia Flyers, with both him and McKinnon being linked to the Devils’ lackluster player development and questionable contract decisions. McKinnon, who managed the Devils’ AHL affiliate, Utica Comets, is also noted for a decade of underwhelming prospect development, despite the organization's repeated high draft picks. Zach Berman connects these firings to a wider critique of the Devils’ front office over the last decade, highlighting missed opportunities and poor drafting decisions that have crippled the organization—most notably the inability to acquire or develop high-end talent like Quinn Hughes, whose likely contract extension in Minnesota further frustrates the Devils' situation (00:02:59). The show host underscores that errors by previous managers like Tom Fitzgerald and Ray Shero continue to haunt the franchise and laments persistent issues with a "boys club" mentality that recycles unsuccessful executives (00:16:34). Attention then turns to who could be next on the chopping block. Zach Berman identifies two top candidates: Dave Rogalski, the Devils’ goaltending coach since 2020, and Megan Duggan, director of player development since 2022. Rogalski, associated with deteriorating goaltending performance and stagnant goalie prospects, is considered by Zach Berman to be a near-certain firing in any impending purge (00:22:13). Duggan, while a hockey legend, is blamed for the lack of progress among skater prospects and an overall weak farm system, though Zach Berman suggests she could stay in the organization in a different role if removed from player development. Looking forward, Zach Berman expresses optimism about Sonny Maida’s leadership, hoping for a complete overhaul of the Devils' organizational culture and approach (00:28:27). With a chance to break away from outdated front office practices and failed scouting, there is hope that the franchise can restructure itself into a consistent Stanley Cup contender. As further staff changes loom and with the draft lottery approaching, Zach Berman anticipates a busy period of transition and potential improvement for the Devils (00:29:05). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  7. Recapping The New Jersey Devils 25-26 Season

    APR 30

    Recapping The New Jersey Devils 25-26 Season

    Zach Berman opened the episode by acknowledging the season as one of the most disappointing in New Jersey Devils franchise history, characterized by both rare moments of happiness and several infuriating lows. He began with an overview of current league playoff matchups, reflecting on which teams Devils fans might root for in the absence of their own team and voicing frustration that it “should have been us” advancing, as the Devils struggled mightily this year—including being swept by the Philadelphia Flyers. Transitioning into the season’s high points, Zach Berman identified Jack Hughes’ golden goal for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics as the proudest moment for Devils fans—a singular highlight that did not occur in an NHL game. Other top moments included the Devils’ early eight-game win streak, Simon Nemec’s hat trick against Chicago, Jack Hughes’ dominant game against the Rangers, and the firing of GM Tom Fitzgerald, which was largely seen as a much needed sign of change. Zach Berman also highlighted specific memorable wins, such as shootout victories over Washington and Toronto, and the long-awaited trade of underperforming forward Ondrej Palat. However, the episode devoted even more focus to the season’s nadirs. The single worst moment identified was missing out on acquiring Quinn Hughes, as hopes to unite the three Hughes brothers were dashed when he was instead traded to the Minnesota Wild—a result Zach Berman argued was the signature failure of Fitzgerald’s tenure and a turning point that crystallized the team’s assorted contractual miscues and poor draft luck. Other lowlights included the ill-fated extension of goalie Jacob Markstrom, a record-setting 9-0 loss to the Islanders (compounded by the team’s lackluster response), and a series of humiliating defeats marked by poor goaltending, blown leads, or embarrassing efforts. Finally, Zach Berman referenced further moments that symbolized the season’s dysfunction, such as Dougie Hamilton’s controversial benching and miscommunications from the front office. Adding to the misery was a freak off-ice injury to Jack Hughes that effectively doomed the Devils’ playoff hopes. Looking forward, Zach Berman promised to shift focus towards the NHL Draft and prospective rebuilding efforts in the next episode, inviting listeners to stay engaged despite this lost season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min
  8. Corralling the Captain: New Jersey Devils begin Extension Talks with Nico Hischier

    APR 28

    Corralling the Captain: New Jersey Devils begin Extension Talks with Nico Hischier

    The New Jersey Devils have initiated preliminary contract extension discussions with their captain, Nico Hischier, who is entering the final year of his current deal. Zach Berman explains that new general manager Sunny Mehta is proactively reaching out to Hischier’s camp, with both sides indicating a clear interest in keeping the captain in New Jersey for the long term. The most commonly predicted contract figure is around 8 years, $88 million (an $11 million AAV), putting Hischier among the league’s top-paid two-way centers as the NHL’s salary cap rises. Zach Berman underscores that locking in Hischier—an irreplaceable leader who has been vocal about his desire to win a Stanley Cup in New Jersey—is essential for the team's ambitions. Discussion also centers on potential offseason targets, most prominently Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk, who had a disappointing playoff series but remains a highly productive and physically imposing forward. Zach Berman cautions, however, against acquiring Tkachuk at the expense of key core players like Hischier or Jesper Bratt, arguing that the Devils should build around these foundational pieces rather than "blow it up" in response to short-term setbacks. The importance of adding complementary talent—rather than making reactionary changes to the core—is highlighted as the best strategy for New Jersey's long-term success. Goaltending is another pressing issue addressed by Zach Berman, with the future of Jacob Markstrom in doubt due to a burdensome contract and inconsistent performance. The podcast floats the idea of targeting a trade for Minnesota Wild netminder Filip Gustavsson, who, despite serving as a backup during the playoffs, posted solid numbers in the regular season and might become available if Minnesota decides to prioritize Jesper Wallstedt. Gustavsson’s contract, however, includes a no-movement clause, so any potential deal would require the goalie's approval. As the Devils look towards the upcoming offseason, Zach Berman stresses the need for a measured, forward-thinking approach under Sunny Mehta’s leadership. By extending Nico Hischier, seeking smart additions like Brady Tkachuk or Filip Gustavsson, and learning from other franchises’ patience, the Devils aim to retool and return to contention without sacrificing their core identity. The episode closes with anticipation for draft lottery outcomes and further offseason developments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 min
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4.1
out of 5
88 Ratings

About

Locked On Devils podcast is the daily podcast that drops the puck and keeps you ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the New Jersey Devils and the National Hockey League. Hosted by lifelong Devils fan and New Jersey Hockey Now writer Zach Berman, the Locked On Devils podcast provides your daily Devils’ fix with expert opinions, local analysis, and coverage of all aspects of Brick City’s own Devils franchise. The Locked On Devils podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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