In a significant development for the New Jersey Devils organization, it was announced on Monday that the team and Tom Fitzgerald, who held the roles of president of hockey operations and general manager, have decided to conclude their professional relationship by mutual consent.
Fitzgerald's tenure with the Devils began with his elevation to interim general manager in January 2020, followed by his official appointment as the full-time GM in July of the same year. His influence grew further in January 2024 when he was also named president of hockey operations. Despite a memorable 2022-23 season where the team achieved a franchise-best 112 points, the Devils are currently positioned outside the Eastern Conference playoff contention with only seven games remaining, indicating they are likely to miss the postseason for the second time in three years. The team's managing partner, David Blitzer, acknowledged Fitzgerald's significant contributions, including enhancing the team's trajectory and solidifying New Jersey's status as a premier hockey destination. Fitzgerald, in turn, expressed pride in the team's efforts to elevate standards and highlighted the strong core of players and dedicated staff, while also looking forward to his next professional challenge.
As the Devils move forward, the immediate plans for an interim general manager or the exact timing of Fitzgerald's departure remain undisclosed. Blitzer reassured fans of the organization's commitment to delivering the expected results, recognizing their frustration, and emphasized the critical importance of the upcoming offseason. The team plans to explore all possible avenues to position itself for another pursuit of the Stanley Cup, signaling a clear intention to rebuild and strive for future success.
