Sheldon Keefe shakes up Devils lineup with urgent late-season roster move

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Cimon Asselin
April 4, 2026 (10:20)

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Photo credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Brian Halonen returns under Sheldon Keefe as the New Jersey Devils shuffle their bottom six with Marc McLaughlin also recalled.

This isn't a random move. It's a response to a lineup that hasn't produced enough down the stretch.

Halonen comes back after limited NHL action, with just 1 goal in 9 games this season. That lack of finish has kept him on the fringe.

But in Utica, it's a different story. He has 19 goals and 32 points in 48 games, showing he can drive offense when given touches.

McLaughlin brings a different profile. More of a depth center, more about structure, details, and responsible shifts.

His AHL numbers are modest, 6 goals and 13 points in 21 games, but the Devils aren't calling him up for scoring.

New Jersey sits at 80 points and outside a playoff spot, which explains the urgency behind this move.

The issue hasn't been just results. It's been usage. The bottom six hasn't tilted the ice enough or chipped in timely offense.

Halonen likely slots into a wing role where he can shoot. Expect him to get looks on a secondary power play unit if he sticks.

McLaughlin's path is clearer. Faceoffs, penalty play minutes, and short, clean shifts. No wasted motion.

This also puts pressure on the current depth forwards. A recall this late in the season usually means someone is coming out of the lineup.

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And if Halonen produces early, he won't just be a placeholder. He could climb into a more stable role heading into the final stretch.

For McLaughlin, it's about trust. If the coaching staff leans on him late in games, that tells you everything.

The Devils aren't experimenting anymore. They're trying to stabilize a roster that's still within reach but running out of time.

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AVRIL 4\|93 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe shakes up Devils lineup with urgent late-season roster move Should Brian Halonen stay in the Devils lineup for the rest of the season ?
Yes	56	60.2 %
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