Devils Coach Sheldon Keefe Fined $25K for Unprofessional Conduct

New Jersey Devils coach Sheldon Keefe was fined $25,000 by the NHL for his unprofessional conduct towards officials, leading to his ejection from a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The incident occurred after Devils star center Jack Hughes suffered an upper-body injury during a collision with Jack Eichel, which left Hughes holding his right arm and did not result in a penalty. Keefe was reportedly frustrated with the lack of a penalty call, comparing the severity of the incident to a previous interference penalty against Hughes. Fans largely supported Keefe’s actions, criticizing the officiating and highlighting a perceived tension between Keefe and referee Wes McCauley, stemming from their past connections. The Devils have not provided an injury update on Hughes, who is their leading scorer. The team, currently third in the Metropolitan Division, also faces challenges with additional injuries to defenseman Dougie Hamilton and the recent return of goaltender Jacob Markstrom from injury.