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Devils co-owner wont rule out bid for Mike Babcock

  • Josh Harris is co-owner of the New Jersey Devils, a franchise in something of a muddle. But this much is clear: Winning solves everything.How the Devils get there is the question, and for the first time in nearly 30 years an answer will come from someone other than Lou Lamoriello.Harris spoke to media members on Saturday on a number of topics, including the hiring of Ray Shero as general manager. That job had been Lamoriello's, but at 72 the man who built three Stanley Cup winners and two other finalists is edging toward retirement. Dak Prescott Jersey Shero, architect of the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2009 Stanley Cup winner, is now the man with the plan. And with plenty on his plate."People like Ray Shero do not come around everyday, Jeffrey Springs Jersey " Harris said.Calling Lamoriello the heart and soul of the Devils, for whom he became president and GM in 1987, Harris said: "I can't say enough about Lou and what he's done for this organization."A sidebar to Saturday was announcement the team re-signed pesky Jordin Tootoo for the 2015-16 season. But the focus was on the future, and Harris said: "I think we need to improve our offense." While cynics call that's a no-brainer, Harris also noted the work of a young defense and goalie Cory Schneider. "I feel," Harris said, "like we have our long-term goaltending situation Adrian Sampson Jersey in place."Lamoriello fired coach Peter DeBoer last season and was part of a triumvirate with Adam Oates and Scott Stevens that led the team in a dismal campaign. Shero's hiring raised speculation the Devils would bring in Dan Byslma to coach. After all, they were together with the Pens.And with word that the Detroit Red Wings have allowed coach Mike Babcock to talk with other teams, there is talk of him landing with Devils. Asked if Babcock's expected salary demands would be a detriment, Harris said: "Not if it was consistent with achieving our goals."Harris wants to Devils to hire the "right coach. Not the quickest person available." He added, via , that he and co-owner David Blitzer would "be in the mix and want to be very informed about what qualities are Prince Fielder Jersey being measured and weighed in terms of making that decision. We may want to meet the coach. I'm not sure."Also from Harris: "There are three ways to improve our team. Draft, free agency and trades Jurickson Profar Jersey . Everything is on the table." "I don't think the foundation is broken. The culture that exists here is a winning culture." The Devils must return to the NHL's elite. "Either we're playing in the playoffs or we're not."Lamoriello, who remains team president, built a winning franchise from what dro s of what Wayne Gretzky called a "Mickey Mouse organization." Shero, younger and holding a fresh perspective, will start construction on the foundation Lamoriello created.
      September 4, 2022 8:39 PM PDT
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