James Nichols
Sheldon Keefe is safe, But, Sunny Mehta is cleaning house otherwise. He’s serious about improving the New Jersey Devils.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Devils announced that goaltending coach Dave Rogalski has been relieved of his duties.
Additionally, assistant coach Sergei Brylin will be taking on a new role within the organization.
According to a team source, Brylin will no longer be in a coaching role.
The search has begun for replacements for those roles.
Keefe will return for his third season as head coach with the Devils in 2026-27. Through two seasons, he’s 84-70-10. The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are his first time missing the postseason after a disappointing 2025-26.
Keefe cited missing the postseason as “embarrassing” in his year-end press conference.
Moving on from Rogalski should come as no surprise. In fact, it was long overdue.
The Devils signed Jacob Markstrom to a two-year extension in October in order to secure their crease. However, Markstrom regressed in 2025-26, registering his worst statistical season yet.
In 44 games, Markstrom recorded an .883 save percentage and was ranked 88th of 98 goaltenders in goals saved above expected (-11.9).
Brylin started working as a team consultant for the Albany Devils in the New Jersey organization during the 2012-13 season. He was quickly promoted to an assistant coach the following season and then became an assistant coach for New Jersey in 2022-23.
Brylin’s role is not yet determined moving forward.
Rogalski has been working in the NHL since 2017-18. He moved over to New Jersey from St. Loius in the 2020-21 season. He transitioned from a development coach to the goaltending coach and had been in his role ever since.
There will be no other changes coming to the Devils’ coaching staff. Brad Shaw and Jeremy Colliton will remain in their roles alongside Keefe as of now.
