New Jersey Devils Name Peter DeBoer Head Coach

Lemaire, who had already gone through two coaching stints with the Devils and had retired at the end of the 2009-10 season, nearly guided the Devils back into the playoffs as they went on a 26-7-3 run under his guidance. Lemaire came back long enough to win his 600th game, just one of eight NHL coaches to accomplish that feat.

For more on the hire, visit SB Nation’s In Lou We Trust.

He also has reported that DeBoer turned down opportunities in Calgary and Detroit recently, which would obviously be an indication that he’s in the running for a head coaching gig somewhere. It would make sense.

But would it make sense for the Devils? Who knows, really. After last season, when John MacLean was fired after the team ran itself into the ground in the first half before Lemaire came back and brought them within striking range of the postseason, it’s tough to get a solid read on where the Devils stand.