The New Jersey Devils have sealed the final pieces of Sheldon Keefe’s coaching staff, a move announced by general manager Sunny Mehta that brings together a blend of veteran experience and fresh perspective. The additions mark the completion of a roster that the front office believes will sharpen the team’s competitive edge.
Ted Donato joins as an assistant coach after a 22‑year tenure as head coach at Harvard, where he amassed 334 victories and captured multiple championships. A former NHL player who suited up for 13 seasons and represented the United States at the 1992 Winter Olympics, Donato also becomes the father of current NHL forward Ryan Donato, adding a family connection that underscores the program’s depth.
A veteran presence in the fold
AJ MacLean, long‑time collaborator of Keefe, returns to the organization after stints in the AHL and junior circuits, most recently with the Syracuse Crunch. His history with Keefe spans both professional and developmental levels, positioning him as a bridge between the coaching philosophy and the players who will execute it.
Dan Stewart, who spent six seasons within the St. Louis Blues’ system, arrives as the team’s goaltending coach. During his tenure he worked closely with netminders such as Joel Hofer and Charlie Lindgren, honing a development model that the Devils hope will translate into more consistent performances between the pipes.
Leo Luongo, a two‑time Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers, has been appointed Director of Goaltending. In this role he will oversee the organization’s goaltending development strategy and report directly to executive vice president of hockey operations Martin Brodeur, bringing a championship pedigree to the position.
The assembled staff reflects a deliberate effort to blend proven NHL pedigree with developmental expertise, a combination that could prove pivotal as the Devils aim to translate their talent into deeper playoff runs. With Keefe at the helm and a support network that spans collegiate, junior and professional backgrounds, the club’s trajectory appears poised for a new chapter.