Newark, April 7: The New Jersey Devils have made a significant change by parting ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald after over five seasons in the role. This decision comes during yet another disappointing season, with the team poised to miss the playoffs for the fourth time in six years under Fitzgerald’s leadership. Given the talent on the roster, this outcome is seen as a major setback.
So, what lies ahead for the franchise?
First, the Devils must complete their remaining five games this season. As of Monday, they were ranked 13th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 40-34-3. They are set to host the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, where a full morning skate is planned. This will provide an opportunity for players and coach Sheldon Keefe to share their thoughts.
According to sources, the team will not appoint an interim GM for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The search for Fitzgerald’s permanent replacement is now the top priority for ownership. Before making a decision, they need to determine the structure of the front office. It remains undecided whether they will hire one individual for both the general manager and president of hockey operations roles or split them into two separate positions.
Reports indicate that the Devils initially aimed for a dual leadership model when they approached John Davidson for the president role in 2021. However, Davidson opted to return to Columbus, citing concerns over his ties to the Rangers.
A strong list of candidates is available, which explains why the Devils acted before the season concluded. Former Devils player and ex-Maple Leafs executive Brendan Shanahan is likely at the top of their wishlist, along with Panthers assistant GM and Wyckoff native Sunny Mehta. Other potential candidates include John Chayka, Mike Gillis, and Jason Spezza.
The new hire will face a crucial first decision: the future of coach Sheldon Keefe, who has seen mixed results this season. Despite some disappointments, Keefe’s adjustments post-Olympics may warrant another chance.
Additionally, the new GM will be responsible for building a competitive team around Jack Hughes, who leads the NHL in points since the Olympic break. The Devils are projected to have $12.18 million in salary cap space this summer, which they need to allocate wisely to secure a scoring winger for Hughes.
This decision is pivotal for the franchise, especially after a challenging five-year period. A misstep could jeopardize the potential of Hughes, a top-five player in the league, and the promising core surrounding him.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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