Post by Devils on Oct 23, 2015 18:00:16 GMT -5
The St. Augustine Devils are coming off a terrific season, where they made it as far as the American Conference Championship, and lost to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Bandits. This was quite the achievement for the Devils, as they had finished in the basement just a season earlier. Head Coach Paul MacLean had a lot to do with their success.
MacLean's focus on a fast and supportive offense helped the Devils to a league-leading 310 goals for the year (tied with the Outlaws) and made him a front runner for the Jack Adams trophy in this reporter's mind. Nobody picked this team to go as deep in the playoffs even with the massive offseason overhaul by GM Stefenelli. Let's face it, last season sported a very retooled Devils team, but kudos to MacLean for really creating a scoring identity for this team.
"I couldn't be happier with the growth this organization has seen in the past couple years. We have a strong pipeline of skilled youth and elite veterans as the foundation of this team. We have the best goaltender in the world in Marty Brodeur and I am actually very interested in seeing how Holtby develops over the next few seasons. I'm also really looking forward to the draft. There are a few guys I like a lot that should be around at our pick." Mark Stefenelli
The Devils acquired the Hawks 1st round pick earlier this offseason (also the 2014 Hawks 1st) at the expense of Cammalleri and Iginla. So you know they believe they can add some quality assets with those picks.
"You know, I don't want to downplay anyone's talents. Cammy and Iggy were both instrumental in our deep run last season. But I think we can still hold our own with the talent still on this roster. Steen, Backstrom, and Marleau have both Kane and Wheeler getting closer to their prime. And we have some young defenders that should be ready to make the leap next season. In particular Leddy, Niskanen, Kindl, and Krug stand out for me. I feel good and I think there is reason for our fans to be excited." Mark Stefenelli
Stefenelli seemed to indicate that the team may be looking to add another pick before the draft.
"I am always looking to make our team better. If the right deal comes around we'll make a move. Our scouts would do well to have a little more drafting power." Mark Stefenelli
