NEWARK, N.J. — John Hynes was hired Tuesday as coach of the New Jersey Devils, becoming the youngest coach in the NHL at 40 years old.
General manager Ray Shero said under Hynes, the Devils will be a fast, attacking team that knows how to play defense.
Nobody but Hynes was offered the job, Shero said. Financial terms of the multi-year contract were not disclosed.
In conducting his month-long search, Shero said he wanted a coach who could teach, inspire and have discipline. He never had a big list of candidates and when he decided on Hynes, it felt right.
“I think John embodies all of that stuff and he has a presence,” Shero, who was the Penguins general manager when Hynes was hired to coach at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL — the Penguins’ top farm team — said Tuesday.
“I have seen him in development camps. He has a presence and he is a leader,” Shero said. Hynes coached Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for five seasons.
When asked about Hynes’ lack of NHL head coaching experience, Shero reminded everyone that Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper has the Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks only two seasons after being hired away from his AHL job.
“I think whether you are 60, 40 or 32, I really believe it is about every coach, no matter what age, it’s about earning the respect of the players,” Shero said. “That means being a leader, a communicator and a teacher.”
Hynes said his first goal will be to get to know his players, what they need and what they should expect from him and his vision for the club.
Shero said he is evaluating the roster. He sees opportunity for players and hopes to increase the competition in training camp.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@NHLDevils