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Devils officially announce John Hynes, becomes youngest NHL coach

Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins

Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins

AP

The New Jersey Devils have officially announced John Hynes as their new bench boss after the team finished the 2014-15 campaign with Lou Lamoriello, Adam Oates and Scott Stevens all handling the coaching duties.

At the age of 40, Hynes is now the youngest head coach in the NHL.

In the introductory press conference, GM Ray Shero also outlined the three principles that will guide the Devils moving forward: Fast, attacking, and supportive.

“The things that we talked about and the identity we want to try to establish, the decision to hire John Haynes for the new head coach, he’s going to encompass these things moving forward,” Shero said.

Hynes spent the previous five seasons leading the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to a 231-126-27 record. The AHL Penguins, which are affiliated with Pittsburgh, made it to at least the second round in each of his campaigns.

Before that Hynes was the head coach of the USA Hockey’s National Development Program for six seasons. He won three medals over that span with the United States’ Under-18 team in the Worlds (Silver in 2004, Gold in 2006, Bronze in 2008). Among the players he coached during that era was current Devils goaltender Cory Schneider.

“Obviously it’s been a little while since then, but I do remember him being extremely detailed and prepared and a great motivator,” Schneider told the Star-Ledger. “He’s definitely a younger guy and I know we’re trying to transition that way. I had a great experience with him and hopefully he’s the right fit for us.”

It remains to be seen who Hynes assistants will be as Shero said that no other decisions have been made regarding the coaching staff.

The #Pens have received New Jersey’s 2016 3rd round draft pick as compensation for the Devils hiring John Hynes as head coach.

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 2, 2015

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