New Jersey Devils Cut Ties with Coach Following Disastrous Season Start

Although the New Jersey Devils still have a good chance of making a deep playoff run this season, the Utica Comets, their AHL affiliate, have a terrible 0-8-1 record after nine games. Since Kevin Dineen hasn't been able to put them in the win column this season, the team has officially parted ways with him. Their record places them dead last in the Eastern Conference in 2024-2025.

Before entering the coaching profession, the 61-year-old played in more than 1,100 NHL games. He has been a coach in both the AHL and the NHL, including time spent as an assistant with the Chicago Blackhawks under Joel Quenneville. Sadly, his record isn't as impressive as one might expect given his experience, and he has officially left the team after three seasons.

Despite the Comets' dismal start to the season, Dineen actually helped the team set an AHL record in 2021 by starting the season with 13 straight wins-a record that still stands today. However, given his difficulties, it makes sense to let him go. Utica will replace Dineen with assistant Ryan Parent, who has been with the team for seven years at the age of 37. Although it won't be easy, it was time for the team to take a chance, so hopefully this will lead to a significant improvement in their season.