New Jersey’s speed upgrade this offseason could push Sheldon Keefe to tweak his ‘Fight The Panic’ approach. Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, Arseni Gritsyuk, and Cody Glass bring faster skating and pace, potentially enabling fewer dump-ins and more controlled zone exits and stretch passes. The Devils’ core—Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier—gives Keefe a talent base to press teams with high-octane pressure. If Keefe leans into stress-hockey with this speed, the Devils could sustain more push, even when leading. Identity will matter as much as pace, with Luke Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Simon Nemec anchoring a faster, more dynamic defense while the forwards push tempo and transition.

Speed alone isn’t the answer, but it changes the calculus: more rush chances, smarter zone entries, and a shift toward offense from behind the goal line. If Keefe embraces a hybrid style—less dump-ins, more controlled entries, and selective stretch plays—the Devils’ ecosystem could maximize breakout potential and PP efficiency. Talent confirms they can win; the question is whether the system evolves enough to leverage the speed and sustain it through the season.

Your take: will Keefe lean into speed and pressure, or keep the core mechanics intact even as the skating becomes markedly faster?

Connor Brown has officially left the Edmonton Oilers after two seasons, signing a four-year deal worth $12 million with the New Jersey Devils. In his farewell message on Instagram, he expressed gratitude to the fans and shared how special Edmonton will always be for him.

Brown's departure has sparked discussions, especially following a heartfelt comment from Lauren Kyle, Connor McDavid's wife. Her phrase, 'Oil for life,' resonated loudly within the community, leading to speculation about McDavid's future. As he enters the final year of his contract, fans are keenly observing every hint.

During his time with the Oilers, Brown proved valuable, contributing significantly to the team's recent successes, including back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances. His consistent scoring and presence in the playoffs have left a lasting impression on the franchise.

Connor Brown has bid farewell to the Edmonton Oilers after a strong two-year stint, transitioning to the New Jersey Devils on a four-year, $12 million deal. His emotional goodbye on Instagram resonated with fans, as did the touching response from Lauren Kyle, Connor McDavid's wife, who expressed her feelings with a simple yet profound 'Oil for life' comment.

This phrase sparked speculation about McDavid's future with the Oilers, igniting fan theories about a potential long-term extension as he approaches the final season of his contract. While some view Kyle's comment as a heartfelt tribute to Brown, others interpret it as a hint at McDavid's commitment to Edmonton.

During his time with the Oilers, Brown was instrumental in their back-to-back Stanley Cup Final runs, contributing 13 goals and 30 points in regular-season play, along with 9 points in the playoffs. His departure leaves a notable gap in the lineup, and the Oilers will be looking to fill his shoes as they continue their quest for the championship.

The Edmonton Oilers faced significant changes in their roster as forwards Corey Perry and Connor Brown departed in free agency. Perry, now with the L.A. Kings, signed a one-year deal worth $2 million, with potential bonuses. Brown inked a four-year, $12 million contract with the New Jersey Devils. Both players were instrumental in the Oilers' playoff run last season, contributing key points in their journey to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Florida Panthers.

Additionally, Edmonton traded Viktor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins for a future draft pick, creating cap space to secure a new deal for defenseman Evan Bouchard, who signed for four years at $42 million. Bouchard's impressive performance, showcasing his offensive capabilities with a significant points total, sets high expectations for the upcoming season as the team aims to reclaim its place in the postseason.