I WILL NOT PLAY AGAIN: New Jersey Devils Captain Announces………

 

On Tuesday night, the New Jersey Devils’ latest home disappointment came with the official announcement that their season was finished. They were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs with a 2-5 loss to Toronto. Their season had effectively ended earlier; your mileage may vary as to what was the true tipping point that made you, a Person Who Matters, conclude, “This isn’t happening.” Regardless, the Devils are done after Monday’s season-ending game against the New York Islanders, who might still make the playoffs. What have I got to say about all of this? Simple:

I was mistaken. I wish I wasn’t, but I was mistaken.

Incorrect information regarding the 2023-24 Devils. Wrong about moves General ManagerI was quite pleased with the Sharangovich and pick for Tyler Toffoli exchange. I was excited about his on-ice rates in 5-on-5 as well as the potential productivity he may bring. I loved Sharangovich, but 2022-23 made it plain that Lindy Ruff and the staff did not value him, therefore it was time to move on. Sharangovich continued to impress in Calgary, while Toffoli was dealt at the deadline for a second-round pick in 2025. In the piece regarding the deal, I expressed concern about Toffoli’s lack of speed. While that did not prevent Toffoli from being the team’s leading goal scorer at one point, the lack of speed and lack of off-the-puck skillI published a lengthy essay describing why I believed the Devils should offer Dawson Mercer an eight-season agreement rather than a bridge deal. He would go on to have an incredible 2023-24 season. I was relieved that it was not taken seriously. Mercer has had an extremely dismal season. He began with a horrible cold streak. He was swapped between a scoring line and a non-scoring line. He was flipped between wing and center. Mercer will end the season with more than 20 goals, and his 5-on-5 productivity was not significantly lower than previous season. However, those on-ice numbers reveal a player who struggled in the flow of play. Whereas it appeared that the Devils had another scoring sensation with