Devils sign HC John Hynes to multi-year extension

The New Jersey Devils have signed head coach John Hynes to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Thursday.

Hynes is in the last year of his current contract and fourth season with the Devils. He surpassed Peter DeBoer to become the second-winningest coach in franchise history earlier this season, trailing only Jacques Lemaire.

"John's leadership has been instrumental in building both culture and systems that are focused on the development of our players," Devils general manager Ray Shero said in a statement. "He has cultivated a group of veteran leaders while helping our young players develop and gain experience.

"John is to be commended for the progress the team has made under his direction and this commitment shows that we are confident in the role he will play in our future success."

Last season, Hynes led the Devils to their first playoff appearance in six years after the team finished with 97 regular-season points for their highest total since the 2011-2012 campaign. They were dispatched in the first round of the postseason in five games by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

New Jersey has taken a step back this year, currently sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference and 10 points out of the final wild-card spot.

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