NHL Rumors: Devils possibly in need of a goalie, and World Cup of Hockey postponed
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s batch of NHL Rumors takes a closer look at the red-hot New Jersey Devils and their quest for goaltending help.
Plus the latest on the World Cup of Hockey.
NHL Rumors: Devils goalie search
The New Jersey Devils have surprised the entire league with an incredible start to their season. They sit atop the Metro Division with a stunning record of 11-3-0 and good for third overall. Their run to the top is due to the strength of an 8-game winning streak.
However, the team is now taking a hit in goal with Vitek Vanecek suffering an undisclosed injury that has him listed as day-to-day. Mackenzie Blackwood recently suffered a knee injury to land on LTIR and will be out at least until late December leaving the Devils thin in net.
“We’ll explore anything and everything. If it makes sense to keep us from overworking certain goalies or if we prefer to keep our (young goalies) in AHL.” – GM Tom Fitzgerald
Ryan Novozinsky, NJ.com (subscription required)
The Devils have 22 year-old Akira Schmid ready to play. He relieved Vanecek in the team’s last game against the Ottawa Senators stopping all 7 shots he’s faced. In addition, the Devils have called up Nico Daws for tonight’s game versus the Arizona Coyotes.
I don’t believe New Jersey will rush to make a move unless Vanecek is out for an extended period of time. Jonathan Bernier, whom they signed last summer is on LTIR with a hip issue but could return soon.
World Cup of Hockey
It looks like fans will have to wait a little longer for the World Cup of Hockey. On Friday, the NHL and NHLPA have announced that the original date for the the tournament of 2024 has been postponed.
“Over the last year, the NHL and the NHLPA have been working on plans to conduct the next World Cup of Hockey, the premier international best-on-best hockey tournament, in February 2024,” a joint statement noted. “Unfortunately, in the current environment it is not feasible to hold the World Cup of Hockey at that time. We continue to plan for the next World Cup of Hockey, hopefully in February 2025.”
The reasons for the postponement are believed to include the continued conflict involving Russia in the Ukraine. Per ESPN, North American broadcast rights and other logistical issues played a role in the decision.
