MORNING SKATE RECAP
PRAGUE, Czechia – The atmosphere was electric at Prague’s O2 Arena as the New Jersey Devils held an optional morning skate ahead of their highly anticipated matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in the opening contest of the Global Series. Fans and players alike are buzzing with excitement as the NHL expands its reach, bringing the game to international audiences.
Notably absent from the morning skate was center Jack Hughes, a key player for the Devils. His absence raised eyebrows, but the team remained focused on their preparations. Head coach Sheldon Keefe also opted out of participating in the skate, choosing instead to observe from the bench and runway, ensuring he could assess the players’ readiness for the game.
Since it was an optional skate, the team didn’t engage in line rushes, but the previous two days of practice provided a glimpse into the potential lineup. The combinations featured a mix of established stars and emerging talent:
- Meier – Hughes – Bratt
- Tatar – Hischier – Mercer
- Palat – Haula – Noesen
- Bastian – Lazar – Cotter
- Dillon – Hamilton
- Siegenthaler – Kovacevic
- Casey – Nemec
- DeSimone – White
One of the most exciting aspects of the morning skate was the announcement of rookie defenseman Seamus Casey making his NHL debut later that evening. Hughes inadvertently let the news slip during a press conference, igniting a wave of enthusiasm among fans and teammates. “Ever since you pick up a hockey stick for the first time, this is what you work for. I’m really excited,” Casey, 20, expressed. He emphasized his intention to treat the game like any other, though he acknowledged the surreal nature of the moment.
Casey, the Devils’ 2022 second-round pick (46th overall), has made a strong impression during training camp. “I still have to come out and bring it and just play my game. That was the message, just play your game,” he said. His focus on simplicity and staying true to himself is a refreshing mindset for a rookie stepping into the NHL spotlight.
The Devils’ training camp has been anything but conventional. With three practices followed by four games in six nights, the team faced a unique challenge in balancing preparation with performance. Injuries to key players like Jack Hughes and Timo Meier, along with Simon Nemec’s recovery from surgery, added to the complexity of their training regimen. “We had the four games in six nights, we could only use certain guys in certain situations,” Keefe explained, highlighting the difficulties of integrating new players while managing injuries.
Despite these challenges, the Devils have utilized their time in Prague effectively, holding four practices, including three since arriving in the city. “We had all these different things that we were dealing with and in a short amount of time trying to bring the group together early on,” Keefe noted. The coaching staff has worked diligently to ensure the team is as prepared as possible for the game, and Keefe expressed optimism about their readiness. “I think we’re in a good place. We’ll see when the puck drops.”
When asked about standout performances during his first training camp as head coach, Keefe pointed to Jesper Bratt as a player who has exceeded expectations. “You have a perception of him as a player. Of course, he’s an elite player and does great things on the ice. But how he conducts himself on a daily basis is beyond impressive,” Keefe remarked. Bratt’s professionalism, commitment to fitness, and eagerness to learn have made a significant impact on the team dynamic.
As the Devils gear up for their game against the Sabres, the excitement in Prague is palpable. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies, the team is ready to showcase their talent on an international stage. Fans are eager to see how the players will respond to the unique atmosphere of the Global Series and what surprises await as the season unfolds.