Sheldon Keefe demotes $6 million dollar winger after loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Devils are coming off of a big loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs and now reports are confirming Sheldon Keefe is demoting star Ondrej Palat after the disappointing result.

The New Jersey Devils got off to a good start to begin their season against the Buffalo Sabres in Czechia. The Devils returned home and had a date with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The game was huge for the Devils and arguably even more important to their head coach Sheldon Keefe.

Sheldon Keefe was the former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach and was fired by the team this past summer. The Devils were hoping to come through for their head coach and pull out a win. Unfortunately for the Devils, the Toronto Maple Leafs got out to an early lead and won 4-2.

After the game, Sheldon Keefe spoke to the media. His comments caused a lot of backlash as he refused to compliment the Maple Leafs and bashed his own team. During that game forward Ondrej Palat saw a role on the third line with Erik Haula and Stefan Noesen.

Tonight the Devils have their first opportunity to get back on track and Sheldon Keefe has demoted veteran star Ondrej Palat.

Ondrej Palat demoted by Sheldon Keefe after loss to the Maple Leafs

Reports this evening are confirming the New Jersey Devils are making a lineup change against the Washington Capitals. Forward Ondrej Palat will be sent down to the 4th line for tonight's game while Paul Cotter is promoted to the 3rd line.

The New Jersey Devils have to be disappointed with this development so early in the season. Ondrej Palat is in his third season with the New Jersey Devils and was expected to hold down a third-line role. After a 2 game sample size without a point and being a minus-two, Sheldon Keefe has seen enough.

The Devils will need to get back on track tonight and tally a win against the Washington Capitals to continue solidifying themselves as a playoff contender. It will be interesting to see if Sheldon Keefe's decision to demote a respected veteran like Ondrej Palat pays off or backfires.

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