Talkin’ Devils with Devils Fans: Part V

The New Jersey Devils 2018-19 season is over and they ended up 29th overall with 72 points. Tomorrow is the Draft Lottery and boy, I am nervous. I’ll be posting a reaction article on Wednesday morning so stay tuned!

For my latest interview, I spoke with Joey McKean (@SaveByBlackwood) and asked him a few questions…

Q: Who is your favorite player on the current roster? Why?

A: Joey – “For me, this one is a little tough. I always say I don’t have a set favorite player on team. Yeah, I love Taylor Hall, yeah I love Nico Hischier, yeah I love Blake Coleman. I love anyone who throws on the crest and represents NJ, unless you’re name is Ilya Kovalchuk. If I was to choose a favorite player at the moment, I’d have to say Kyle Palmieri. One thing I’ve always loved about Kyle is his love for Jersey. He plays with a lot pride and loves the team he plays for. It overall makes him a really enjoyable player to watch.”

Q: Kevin Rooney and Kurtis Gabriel have gotten a lot of NHL time this season due to the crazy amount of injuries the Devils have faced. Do you think they earned a spot on the team in future seasons?

A: Joey – “I think Rooney has been decent. I think for him it’s all about next season. If he can take that next step and become someone like maybe a Blake Coleman, great! If not then that’s to bad I thought he had potential. Gabriel, no no no no no no.”

Q: What are you thoughts on Mackenzie Blackwood’s performance? How optimistic/pessimistic are you on his future with the Devils?

A: Joey – “More than, I have loved the way Big Mac has stepped in. He plays big and is easily one of the most athletic players in the league. I like this kid A LOT. I also claimed the @ on twitter @SaveByBlackwood, sorry devils twitter members!”

Q: If you had to fire a current coach, who would you fire? Why?

A: Joey – “Alain Nasreddine, ‘Nas’ by far. It’s like defensive break down after defensive break down.

Q: Do you think Taylor Hall will re-sign with the Devils?

A: Joey – “He wants to be here, we want him here. We have the cap room. Yes and I think he will be in the top 10 for highest paid players. He will also sign for 7 or more years.”

Q: Biggest question – Jack Hughes or Kaapo Kakko?

A: Joey – “I think it’s a coin flip, both of these kids are going to be extremely talented and have amazing NHL careers. It’s more likely we will land Kappo if one of them. Plus I’d much rather have a jersey with Kakko on it.”

Thanks Joey for taking the time to answer some questions!

Stay tuned for next week for a new set of questions and a new interviewee!

Stats: nhl.com
Featured Image: Ed Mulholland/USA Today Sports