It’s been a while since I’ve been able to put together a Q&A for Devils Army Blog. I’m glad to kick off the month of September by talking hockey with one of the people that helped get my name out there when I first started writing. Many of you may remember Sam Woo as the bold matter-of-fact Devils writer who used to write for Hockey Buzz. Sam is currently with Sirius XM NHL Network Radio, where he works as an Executive producer for the the hockey Unfiltered and Hockey Primetime radio shows. We talked about Devils players that face the most pressure to have a rebound season, job security on the team, real time stats, head coaches currently in the hot seat around the league, and more!
I want to personally thank Sam for taking time out of his busy schedule for participating. For top-notch Devils and hockey coverage, you can follow Sam on Twitter @Ask SamWoo. make sure to check his radio shows out on Sirius XM, both of which have begun gearing up for the coming hockey season.
On the Devils…
There were few (if any) Devils that didn’t severely underachieve last year. This coming season could be an ultimatum-type year for a number of returning veterans. Which Devils player would you say is going into training camp this fall, with the most pressure on them to have a rebound season?
Travis Zajac. When you sign a $46M dollar contract for eight years, you need to put up more than 25 points for the entire season. Travis needs to be that solid two-way player down the middle and a leader in the locker room. John Hynes will get this team moving quickly offensively and Zajac’s numbers should benefit this season.
Center Stephen Gionta always had a place in the lineup under the DeBoer coaching regime. With the overhaul of personnel and a wealth of younger players auditioning at training camp in September, how strong would you say Gionta’s job security is this time around?
Will John Hynes have a spot on his roster for Stephen Gionta?- NJ.com
No one has job security with the New Jersey Devils. Simple as that.
In terms of real time state (hits, blocked shots, takeaways, FO%), New Jersey finished bottom-ten in every one. Which of these categories do you think the Devils need the most improvement in going into next season?
Takeaways. John Hines’ up-tempo offense will thrive in transition and will dictate the pace of the game. The Devils need to be quick and push the puck up the ice.
Around the league…
Which of the four division winners from last season (Anaheim, St. Louis, NY Rangers, Montreal) will have the toughest time keeping their title this year?
St. Louis. There are just too many good teams in that division.
of the Buffalo Sabres of the St. Louis Blues on February 5, 2015 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York.
In terms of coaches on the hot seat, two of the biggest candidates have to be Ken Hitchcock in St. Louis and Bruce Boudreau in Anaheim. Which of these two do you think has the most pressure on them to succeed next season?
Ken Hitchcock. Plain and simple.