Ray Shero sounded surprised when it was suggested that the Devils look a little bit more like the Pittsburgh/Wilkes-Barre Penguins after Wednesday's hiring of assistant coach Alain Nasreddine.

"Really? That's not the intention at all," Shero said. "I don't look at it as a Pittsburgh thing or a New Jersey thing. I'm looking at people in certain positions and that there is a familiarity. That's a common occurrence in business and sport. Hopefully that's a positive. That's how the sport is, to a certain extent."

Nasreddine, who served as assistant coach with John Hynes at Wilkes-Barre (AHL), was named to the Devils' staff along with Geoff Ward.

"I think it's a real well-balanced staff, obviously with Alain and his familiarity with John and visa versa," Shero said. "I've known Alain, not only as a player but now after his five years of coaching and the impact he's had on the players in that organization in terms of where he is as a coach.



"Geoff Ward has had success in all facets of hockey, including as assistant coach in Boston with some real good teams he had there going to the Finals. In terms of what he can bring to the table and bring to the organization I think is a real positive for us."

Was it Hynes or Shero who made the decision on the assistant coaches?

"I think it's a combination of both. I'm not forcing people on a coach," Shero stressed. "But as a general manager you're responsible for everybody."

Scott Stevens:

Why he was passed over

Nasreddine, a former NHL defenseman, will handle the Devils' D-men.

"That's been his background when he was utilized in Pittsburgh/Wilkes-Barre. I'll let John, as the head coach, address that," Shero said.

"I like the hire of Geoff, too. I'm not that familiar with Geoff. I only met him recently. I didn't really know him but I've heard a lot of good things. He has the experience John was looking for.

"He brings some ideas and challenges so you don't have three guys who have been working together for years. I love the challenges they can have for each other."

Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook.