Devils' Larsson impresses coach, could earn big minutes this season

John Hynes likes what he sees so far from Adam Larsson.

The New Jersey Devils first-year head coach gave the 22-year-old defenseman almost 24 minutes of ice time in Monday's 6-3 preseason loss to the New York Rangers, and that kind of heavy deployment could become the norm.

"Adam's been very impressive, really in this training camp, the first time having worked with him, just the way he's gone about his business every single day," Hynes said postgame, according to Tom Gulitti of Fire and Ice. "I think you even saw him tonight. He had the opportunity. He played big minutes five-on-five and then we gave him some quality power-play time tonight and he looked good in that situation.

"So, (he's) an all-around player that has the potential to be a guy that plays in all situations for us. And I think his maturity and mentality this year coming is he's showing that he could possibly earn all that type of ice time."

Larsson, who was drafted fourth overall in 2011, enters his fifth season with the Devils after signing a six-year, $25-million contract extension in July. General manager Ray Shero admitted the deal is based more on potential than production to date, as Larsson has recorded only six goals and 45 assists in 192 career games.

Larsson scored a power-play goal in Monday's loss and could be in for a career year if Hynes leans on him this heavily during the regular season.