New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald departs from organization
The New Jersey Devils have announced that general manager and president of hockey operations Tom Fitzgerald has departed from the organization.
#BREAKING: New Jersey Devils Managing Partner David Blitzer announced today that Tom Fitzgerald will depart the organization.
“Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction,” Devils managing partner Dan Blitzer said in a statement released by the team. “Tom changed the trajectory of our team here, including setting a franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination. He is a well-respected leader across the Devils’ organization and NHL, and I am grateful for our friendship. I wish Tom and his family all the best. As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans. I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve and I understand and share in your frustration. This is a critical offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again.”
At this point, a replacement for Fitzgerald has not been announced, nor has an interim been named. It’s not confirmed if assistant GMs Dan MacKinnon and Kate Madigan will also be departing the organization, but if they don’t, it’s assumed they will take over the role of interim through the five remaining games on the Devils’ schedule.
“After talking with David Blitzer, it was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team,” Fitzgerald said. “I am incredibly appreciative to David, Josh Harris, and the entire New Jersey Devils organization for being a part of my life for the past decade. The Devils are fortunate to have a core of great players, vocal and passionate fans, but most importantly, tremendous people who worked with me toward a common goal. I’ve always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem and I’m proud of the effort that we put in to raise the standard and make it a destination. I look forward to the next step in my hockey career and will always look back fondly on my time with the Devils.”
Fitzgerald was fired after a disappointing season which currently sees the Devils outside of a playoff spot by seven points with a 40-34-3 record. While some of that can be chalked up to a competitive Eastern Conference, as the Devils would be in a playoff spot in the Western Conference, it’s still disappointing after expectations of playoff and potentially Stanley Cup contention, especially after their 13-4-1 start.
Fitzgerald spent parts of seven seasons as the GM, and 11 seasons total with the team, previously serving as an assistant GM. Since first assuming the role with an interim tag on January 12th, 2020, the Devils went 230-212-44 under Fitzgerald, and their .519 points percentage in that span is tied with the Vancouver Canucks for 21st in the league.