With the 2024-25 season almost officially underway, the New Jersey Devils are entering a new era of black and red. Under new head coach Sheldon Keefe, the team will seek to reach new heights and make it to the top of the Metropolitan Division. There is an endless amount of high hopes and excitement for what the team will look like this season, especially after an extremely productive offseason. Now that they have acquired a high-quality starting goalie and seasoned defensemen, it appears= the team is headed in a positive direction. Preseason begins this Sunday, Sept. 22, where the Devils will take on the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center.
Nonetheless, a full-circle comeback starts with training camp, with veterans beginning preparations this week for the upcoming season. A total of 68 players will hit the ice on behalf of the Devils and the roster is filled with new and old faces alike. Among those familiar faces is Tomas Tatar, who was welcomed back to New Jersey with open arms. Fans are excited to see what the team will look like with their roster nearly at peak health, which will hopefully flourish under Keefe’s new leadership. One noticeable absence from training camp is Luke Hughes, who will miss six to eight weeks recovering from a shoulder injury. Meaning, there will be some roster gaps for Keefe to fill as training camp continues.
Earlier this week, general manager (GM) Tom Fitzgerald announced defenseman Andy Welinski and forward Kevin Labanc will join the team on Professional Tryout Contracts (PTOs). These unsigned veterans will have the opportunity to prove themselves and earn a spot on the Devils’ roster in time for the season opener in Prague, Czechia. Welinski has played 46 NHL games across three seasons, while Labanc has skated in 478 throughout eight seasons. Together, they will join the likes of Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Jonas Siegenthaler, along with most of the rookie camp participants.
Can Welinski Stay in the NHL?
At 31 years old, Welinski has only played at the NHL level for the Anaheim Ducks. In 2011, he was drafted 83rd overall, but did not sign an entry-level contract with the Ducks until 2016. From 2012 to 2016 he played for the University of Minnesota Duluth, recording 77 points during four seasons. After his college hockey career, he joined the Ducks’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. The following season, he made his NHL debut against the Carolina…
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