The Devils have fired general manager Tom Fitzgerald after 11 seasons with the organization and six as general manager.
Fitzgerald, 57, was dismissed after "Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction," according to a statement by Devils co-owner David Blitzer. "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," Blitzer continued, "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."
Fitzgerald, a former Penguins assistant GM, followed Ray Shero to New Jersey after Shero was terminated by the Penguins in 2014. In his six-year tenure as GM, the Devils have finished 7th in the Metropolitan Division four times, including this season, with five games remaining. The team was third in the division last season, but lost in the first round to the Hurricanes.
My take: Time for a change. The team is not underperforming last year's squad by much, but 91 points was enough to get a guaranteed playoff spot last year. Win four of five and they match it, but it won't be enough in this highly competitive season.
THE ASYLUM
Devils fire GM Fitzgerald
The Devils have fired general manager Tom Fitzgerald after 11 seasons with the organization and six as general manager.
Fitzgerald, 57, was dismissed after "Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction," according to a statement by Devils co-owner David Blitzer. "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," Blitzer continued, "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."
Fitzgerald, a former Penguins assistant GM, followed Ray Shero to New Jersey after Shero was terminated by the Penguins in 2014. In his six-year tenure as GM, the Devils have finished 7th in the Metropolitan Division four times, including this season, with five games remaining. The team was third in the division last season, but lost in the first round to the Hurricanes.
My take: Time for a change. The team is not underperforming last year's squad by much, but 91 points was enough to get a guaranteed playoff spot last year. Win four of five and they match it, but it won't be enough in this highly competitive season.
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