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Stevens makes ‘personal decision’ to leave Devils coaching staff

New Jersey Devils v New York Islanders

New Jersey Devils v New York Islanders

NHLI via Getty Images

Some fairly significant news given training camps are just around the corner -- Scott Stevens, the former Devils legend that’s served as an assistant coach for the last two years, has decided to leave the team.

“It’s not the organization. It’s not this. It’s not that. It’s just that was a decision he made,” Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said, per NorthJersey.com. “I’m sure it’s not something that will be long term. I’m sure he’ll be back into coaching, hopefully, here some day. It’s just a personal thing.”

Stevens, 50, will be replaced by another ex-Devil -- Tommy Albelin, who comes up from his assistant gig in AHL Albany (after spending 12 of his 18 NHL seasons in New Jersey.)

As for what transpired with Stevens... well, good luck figuring that out. Lamoriello and the Devils organization are notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to releasing details about anything, though Lamoriello did touch on the possibility of Stevens resuming coaching this season.

“I don’t believe that will happen,” he said. “This is a decision he made and I don’t think anybody should read into anything of anything. It’s just a personal decision. Personal, professional, whatever way you want to look at it, it’s just a decision he made.”

The Devils first hired Stevens -- along with fellow assistant Matt Shaw -- in 2012, to replace outgoing assistants Adam Oates and Larry Robinson. Shaw lasted one season before taking a head coaching gig in the USHL.