Former captain Scott Stevens and Matt Shaw named New Jersey Devils’ new assistant coaches- NHL Update
Lou Lamoriello, General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, announced on Tuesday that, their former captain and defenseman, Scott Stevens and Matt Shaw would be joining the team as assistant coaches.
Shaw had spent three seasons at San Jose Sharks, as assistant of Todd McLellan.
Under New Jersey Devils’ head coach, Peter DeBoer, there would be another assistant coach as well, Chris Terreri, who is also a former New Jersey Devils’ player, winning Stanley Cup with them in 1995 and 2000.
In 2001, Terreri had become assistant coach of Albany River Rats of American Hockey League (AHL) before making a comeback to professional hockey in 2005-2006 season when he made 27 saves and allowed four goals against Hershey Bears in two periods.
These appointments were needed after Devils lost two of their assistant coaches, Adam Oates and Larry Robinson in a span of 13 days. Former NHL legend with 1337 games, 341 goals, record 1079 assists and 1420 points, 49-year-old, Adam Oates left New Jersey
Devils’ assistant coach’s job to become head coach of Washington Capitals whereas, 61-year-old Larry Robinson has become San Jose Sharks assistant coach.
Talking about new assistant coach, Scott Stevens is remembered as one of the New Jersey Devils’ legends, as he became first player in franchise history to have his shirt number four, retired (something that is done to pay tribute to that player and make
that number permanently that player’s).
The 48-year-old has captained New Jersey Devils’ to three Stanley Cup wins and he is also a hall of fame inductee.
While talking to media via a conference call, Stevens said,
"I've been thinking about [this] all year, about getting more involved, getting behind the bench and getting closer to the action. With Larry leaving, it was unfortunate, but it kind of opened the door for myself and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
69-year-old, Lou Lamoriello, who has been serving as New Jersey General manager for last 26 years now, was also happy about Stevens appointment as assistant coach as he said,
"What he brings you can't teach … he's played for some great coaches," Lamoriello said of Stevens. "When I went behind the bench, I had Scott come on the ice and I worked with him hand-in-hand. He knows what he brings and the way he thinks, and we all know
the type of competitor Scotty is."
Stevens is going to help in making team’s defence stronger whereas Shaw’s job would be to work closely on the power play.
Scott Stevens is regarded a great defenseman as his stats prove this statement. He played 1635 games in NHL, scoring 196 goals, 712 assists, earning him total of 908 points.
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