New Jersey Devils Coach Sheldon Keefe Fined $25,000 After Controversy

The New Jersey Devils are at a crossroads as they prepare to take on Winnipeg Jets as they face double trouble. Star winger Jack Hughes has been ruled out for the rest of the NHL season, while the head coach Sheldon Keefe is now facing disciplinary scrutiny. Hughes' injury on an unfortunate play Monday night compounded the woes of the Devils, while Keefe's unsavory dealings with the officials have brought added trouble upon him. A heavy fine has now been slapped on Keefe by the NHL, thereby making it a week to forget for the Devils.

During Monday night's game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Jack Hughes suffered a serious shoulder injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season. The unfortunate episode took place when Hughes was chasing a rebound off the pad of Adin Hill on a two-on-one opportunity. However, after being tripped from behind by Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Hughes was sent crashing hard into the boards. The visible pain of the 23-year-old forward was hard to miss as he clutched at his shoulder and left the ice.

On Wednesday, Hughes underwent surgery and was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) by the Devils. Losing Hughes is a big loss for the Devils, who are otherwise competing for a playoff spot. He's one of the team's very best talents, and the absence creates a huge hole in the offensive lineup, making matters much more complicated in the pursuit of a postseason berth.

The NHL, on Wednesday, placed salt in the team's wounds, announcing that Sheldon Keefe was fined $25,000 for unprofessional conduct against the officials. This took place immediately after Hughes' injury when Keefe was shouting angrily from behind the bench. His conduct earned him a minor bench penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct as well as game misconduct, stirring tensions even higher on the ice.

Though what Keefe exactly said is unclear, the league was quick to respond, reflecting the seriousness with which it took Keefe's behavior. Keefe is in his first season as the head coach of the Devils after five years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He took the Maple Leafs to the playoffs every season but never beyond the second round. Now, he finds himself at the center of yet another storm as he attempts to steer the Devils through troubled waters.
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With Jack Hughes put on the shelf and Sheldon Keefe facing punishment, the New Jersey Devils are in a precarious spot. Without Jack Hughes, they have to regroup and find a way to be competitive moving forward. While Keefe finds himself in hot water for his fiery temper, his leadership will be essential in helping the Devils through this rough patch. Over the next few weeks, the real test of the team will be whether they can muster enough willpower to fight through all this adversity and keep playoff dreams alive.