Why Bruce Cassidy Isn't the Right Fit for the Devils – & Why Keefe Might Stay

Cassidy's defensive-minded system may not align with the Devils' high-speed, skill-based approach, and Sheldon Keefe could keep his job after strong second-half performance.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:26pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a hockey game, with players' bodies and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the Devils' high-speed, skill-based approach clashing with a more defensive-minded system.Chicago Today

The New Jersey Devils may be looking for a new head coach this offseason, but hiring recently-fired Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy may not be the right fit. Cassidy's defensive-focused system relies on strong goaltending and grinding out wins, which contrasts with the Devils' high-speed, skill-based approach. Meanwhile, current Devils coach Sheldon Keefe has led the team to a strong second-half resurgence after early-season struggles, and could potentially save his job with a continued strong finish.

Why it matters

The Devils' coaching decision will have a major impact on the team's identity and playing style going forward. Hiring the wrong coach could disrupt the team's momentum and chemistry, while keeping Keefe could allow the Devils to build on their late-season success. This is a critical offseason for the franchise as they look to take the next step towards becoming a consistent playoff contender.

The details

Cassidy had great success in Vegas, leading the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup and multiple division titles. However, his defensive-minded system relied heavily on an elite blue line and strong goaltending, which doesn't necessarily align with the Devils' strengths. The Devils thrive on speed, skill, and an up-tempo offensive approach, which Keefe has helped re-establish after the team struggled with a more conservative system earlier in the season. Keefe has credited the returns of Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes as key factors in the team's second-half resurgence, as their ability to drive play on the rush has unlocked the Devils' full offensive potential.

  • The Devils are currently in the midst of a strong second-half push, going 10-4-0 in their last 14 games.
  • Sheldon Keefe explained the team's renewed focus on their play in the offensive zone and on the rush since the Olympic break.

The players

Bruce Cassidy

Former head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, who was recently fired despite the team's playoff position and his strong overall record with the organization.

Sheldon Keefe

Current head coach of the New Jersey Devils, who has led the team to a strong second-half turnaround after early-season struggles.

Jack Hughes

Star forward for the New Jersey Devils, whose return to full health and dominant play on the rush has been a key factor in the team's improved offensive performance.

Luke Hughes

Defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, whose improved play in the latter half of the season has also contributed to the team's offensive resurgence.

Tom Fitzgerald

General manager of the New Jersey Devils, who has expressed confidence in Sheldon Keefe and the team's current coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“We've been putting so much emphasis on our play on the rush and things like that since coming back from the Olympic break. I looked at it the other day and one of the things that drives play on the rush is controlled entries and speed coming through the neutral zone. Jack on individual entries leads our team by a country mile since the Olympic break, and really would be the whole season. But Jack also is right there in assisting others in getting plays off the rush and controlled entries.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Head Coach, New Jersey Devils

“Luke is right there too. [Jack] and Luke are kind of on another level compared to everyone else. That's a statistical way to look at it. What those guys can bring in terms of pushing our offense on the rush, and when we've had them both healthy and feeling good, we look a lot like we have since, well, a lot of focus on how we've improved offensively here in these now 16 games.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Head Coach, New Jersey Devils

What’s next

The Devils' performance in the final games of the season will be crucial in determining Sheldon Keefe's future with the team. If they can maintain their strong second-half play, Keefe may have done enough to earn another season as head coach.

The takeaway

While Bruce Cassidy's resume is impressive, his defensive-minded coaching style may not be the best fit for the high-powered, skill-based New Jersey Devils. Sheldon Keefe has shown the ability to get the team playing to its strengths, and could potentially save his job with a strong finish to the season.