標籤: Fitzgerald

newark – There was no dramatic wake-up call. No single game, no blowout loss, no locker-room explosion that flipped the switch for the New Jersey Devils to fire Tom Fitzgerald.

The Devils introduced new general manager Sunny Mehta on Tuesday. The 48-year-old first-time GM has endeared himself to the media and fans and pointed to an optimistic future under a new regime.

However, this was the first time Devils ownership was available to talk over a split with Fitzgerald.

When Devils managing partner David Blitzer sat down to explain why the organization parted ways with longtime general manager and president of hockey operations Fitzgerald on April 6, his words painted a far more humane and perhaps revealing picture than the usual polished NHL response.

“It’s a complicated [answer],” Blitzer said. “There was never a moment when I woke up in the morning and said, ‘This needs to change.’ I think the reality is that I’ve worked with Tom for 11 years. Tom and his team are excellent and my relationship with them was very strong, and we talked all the time.

“It was a really tough season, but last year wasn’t an easy season either. This year was extremely disappointing. And so there was no eureka moment. I was evaluating the organization and talking with my guys, OK? So talking with Josh. [Harris] And sometimes talking to myself out loud… Eventually, we came to the conclusion that it felt like this was the time when separation made sense.

“And as soon as that happened, I sat down with Tom to have a really open discussion. And we both left that discussion agreeing that it would be appropriate to make that decision as time required [to part ways]”

These words echo the statement Blitzer made when the Devils publicly announced they were firing Fitzgerald.

“Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed that now is the time to move in a new direction,” Blitzer said. “Tom changed the direction of our team here, including setting the franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination. He is a respected leader in the Devils organization and in the 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 that I thank our fans. I recognize that we have not performed as well as you expect and “I understand and share your frustration. This is an important offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for the Stanley Cup once again.”

The Devils finished the 2025–26 season with a 42–37–3 record and 87 points, good for 7th in the Metropolitan Division and 13th in the Eastern Conference – seven points out of the final wild-card spot when Fitzgerald’s departure was announced with five games remaining. He was officially fired the next day. This marked the second time in three seasons the team missed the playoffs, despite entering the year with expectations of legitimate contention around Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and a young core and many believing the roster was ready to take the next step.

11 year old weight

Fitzgerald joined the Devils organization in 2015 and became GM in 2020, while later assuming the duties of President of Hockey Operations duties. His tenure included real highs — a franchise-record 112-point season in 2022-23 that brought playoff hockey back to Newark and reestablished the Devils as a relevant, exciting team. He helped build around the Hughes brothers and guided post-COVID roster construction.

But the last two seasons told a different story. The 2024–25 campaign was already “not the easiest”, admitting that inconsistencies prevented a deeper post-season campaign. The 2025–26 season exacerbated those issues: defensive lapses, goalscoring questions, and an inability to score consistently at Championship level – as they had previously – forced the team to once again look on the outside.

Blitzer was careful to praise Fitzgerald and his staff as “excellent,” while acknowledging the bottom line: Results matter. In a results-driven league, even strong relationships and competent management have an expiration date when wins don’t materialize.

What makes this departure feel different from many NHL firings is the apparent lack of acrimony. Blitzer described sitting down with Fitzgerald for an “open discussion” after the decision became clear, after which both men agreed on the timing. Fitzgerald reiterated that sentiment in his own statement, noting that it was “clear to everyone that the best course of action is to move forward for the benefit of the team.”

This was no mid-season scandal or public power struggle. It was ownership’s recognition that, after more than a decade of collaboration, fresh eyes and new ideas were needed in a critical off-season.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

A new direction is coming for the New Jersey Devils and there are a few reasons that have gotten us here.

Tom Fitzgerald is out as general manager, however, his identity has been established. Fitzgerald has been with the New Jersey organization for the past 10 years, serving as general manager for the past six. They have made some bold moves such as acquiring Timo Meier and signing Dougie Hamilton as the first premiership free agent in several seasons. They’ve also made surprising mistakes, like trading Tyler Toffoli, who was a perfect fit at the time, and perhaps extending Johnathan Kovacevic a little earlier than anticipated.

However, in the 2025–26 season alone, several mistakes were made by the now former Devils GM, which ultimately led to the decision to fire him, and he started at the beginning of the year.

Jacob Markstrom Extension

Acquiring Jacob Markstrom was one thing. Fitzgerald gave up a first-round pick for an aging goaltender, but he at least came in with the makings of a legitimate starting goaltender. However, at age 35 and amid a long stretch of questionable games, Markstrom’s desire to extend was puzzling. Markstrom’s history suggests inconsistency. When he’s good, he’s great. And when he’s bad, it can be really questionable. That has often been the case in 2025-26, and entering the age 36 season, it’s hard to see how it will get any better. Fitzgerald had the entire season to evaluate what he was going to do with Markstrom, but instead he went into a new extension that hasn’t even started yet, while Markstrom hasn’t trusted anyone.

dougie hamilton debacle

Hamilton’s situation was handled poorly. News leaked that the Devils were shopping out the veteran defenseman, then benched him for “performance reasons”, only to see his agent call out Fitzgerald to try to force him to accept a trade. He then denied this notion, and later denied it when asked about it, despite knowing that Hamilton had canceled a trade or two.

quinn hughes is missing

Certainly, learning that Hamilton canceled a trade despite his improved play caused some tension. And that’s because the Devils were on Quinn Hughes, and couldn’t hold on to him. Not seeing his franchise brother’s face when he was available for trade was a huge mistake that could have turned the season 180°. Instead, he lost to a more aggressive GM who was willing to take big swings, show too much patience, and ultimately create an environment of uncertainty for players who felt they could be on the chopping block at any time.

too much business protection

Fitzgerald rejected another claim that the amount of business protection it provided hindered its ability to grow. However, as we know Hamilton did, the deals were voided due to the trade protections he offered, and the Devils GM himself was handcuffed. Thus, even when Jack Hughes was injured he could not make the necessary additions to improve the team.

Inactivity at trade deadline

The inactivity at the 2026 NHL trade deadline was perhaps the final straw. The Devils had pieces they could move this summer to improve their arsenal of possessions to take an even bigger swing. Instead, Fitzgerald stood quietly and did nothing. He also mentioned having the opportunity to explore the Hamilton business, and stated that this was something he was not interested in doing. In fact, their acquisition of Nick Bjugstad becomes even more intriguing in the weeks leading up to the deadline, with it appearing that there is a foot on each side of the fence as either a buyer or a seller. After all, the direction was unclear.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

After an unsuccessful season in 2025-26, the New Jersey Devils have fired general manager Tom Fitzgerald.

Managing partner David Blitzer made the decision after conversations with the now former Devils GM.

Via Devils PR, Blitzer says “Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed that it is time to move in a new direction,” Blitzer says. “Tom changed the direction of our team here, including setting the franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination. He is a respected leader in the Devils organization and in the 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 that I thank our fans. I recognize that we have not performed as well as you expect and “I understand and share your frustration. This is an important offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for the Stanley Cup once again.”

“After speaking with David Blitzer, it became clear to everyone that moving on was the best move for the benefit of the team,” Fitzgerald said. “I am incredibly appreciative of 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 group of great players, vocal and passionate fans, but most importantly, to have tremendous people who worked with me toward a common goal. I have always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem and I am proud of the effort we have made to raise the bar and make it a destination. I am proud of my hockey fans.” “Looking forward to the next step in my career and will always look back fondly on my time with the Devils.”

Fitzgerald had one year remaining on his contract with New Jersey.

*This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Is general manager Tom Fitzgerald still considering a Steven Stamkos, New Jersey Devils trade?

Earlier in 2025–26, it was reported that the Devils were considering the two-time Stanley Cup champion as a trade target amid the struggles in Nashville.

However, due to the emergence of Stamkos after early season struggles, the Predators have turned things around.

Now, Stamkos is on pace to score 41 goals by the end of the season, and has scored 29 goals in 58 games so far.

The Predators are sitting out of the playoffs, two points removed from the second wild card spot in the West which is occupied by the Seattle Kraken.

However, GM Barry Trotz’s time in Nashville is coming to an end, and the Predators organization could be headed in a whole new direction.

Thus, insider Pierre LeBrun revealed to TSN Insider Trading that although Stamkos is happy to stay where he is, he and his agent have prepared destinations for which the 35-year-old sniper would consider waiving his full no-move clause.

“Steven Stamkos has an absolute no-move clause,” LeBrun began. “Here’s what’s happening. He controls his destiny here and he’s not asking out. Stamkos is happy in Nashville. But, in preparation for if Predators management goes to him before next Friday and says, ‘We have some offers on the table,’ I’m told Stamkos and his camp have prepared themselves. And they’ve prepared themselves by making a list of preferred destinations. I’m told that’s at the top of the list. There’s Tampa Bay, then Dallas, and then Minnesota. There are three teams on that list.

Although the Lightning, Stars and Wild top Stamkos’ list, there is another team the sniper will consider.

“To some extent, New Jersey,” LeBrun said. “The Devils tried to sign him two years ago. But, of course, it’s the Lightning, Stars and Wild. Keep in mind, I think this is more likely a summer discussion, a summer trade. But, prepare yourself for that possibility.”

So, here’s the thing. Clearly, the Devils are not making the postseason this year. This will be the beginning of a summer in New Jersey in which one will have to evaluate what went wrong in a year where expectations were so high.

Those evaluations will also include GM and head coach Sheldon Keefe.

Fitzgerald’s previous interest in Stamkos is well documented. It is logical for the devils to also be interested in it. They currently rank last among the 32 NHL clubs in goals-per-game (2.46), and Stamkos brings a huge source of firepower.

Here’s what we know. New Jersey Hockey Now has learned that although the 2025-26 season was a complete failure, management believes it is a blip on the radar.

The belief is that with the right retool, they can come back and compete next season, especially under the leadership of Jack Hughes – who, supposedly, has to stay healthy.

The Devils have been looking for the right player for a very long time to be their franchise forward and skate on a proper first line in New Jersey with Jesper Bratt.

Hughes and Bratt feeding Stamkos the puck to shoot makes all the sense in the world. However, it depends on the cost acquisition. In fact, it also depends on who will decide when the season ends.

So yes. New Jersey’s current management is still interested in Stamkos’ services. They are more outside candidates than the three teams LeBrun has named as frontrunners.

Still, depending on who is in charge this summer – as long as Stamkos remains in Nashville – the potential next GM may have an entirely different idea about Stamkos.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

除了授予本賽季表現最佳的球員外，週四的 NFL 榮譽頒獎典禮還宣布了職業橄欖球名人堂 2026 屆的成員。

德魯·布里斯和拉里·菲茨杰拉德 列表的標題，其中還包括 Adam Vinatieri、Roger Craig 和 Luke Kuechly。

他們將於 8 月 8 日在俄亥俄州坎頓入職。

2026年 @ProFootballHOF 班級！ @諾華 | #NFL榮譽 pic.twitter.com/mS899W2rE6

— NFL (@NFL) 2026 年 2 月 6 日

對於許多球員來說，進入享有盛譽的大廳是最高的成就，因為他們加入了 NFL 豐富歷史中最偉大的明星和最有影響力的人物。

2010 年，布里斯帶領新奧爾良聖徒隊奪得超級碗冠軍，並榮獲超級碗 MVP。他成為過去十年中第三位入選名人堂的四分衛。

在他 20 年的職業生涯中，他傳球 80,358 碼，達陣 571 次。他有五個賽季的衝球碼數至少達到 5,000 碼。

與此同時，菲茨杰拉德成為聯盟歷史上最好的外接手之一，在亞利桑那紅雀隊度過了他整個 17 年的職業生涯。他共接球 1,432 次，推進 17,492 碼，均僅次於 NFL 傳奇人物傑里·賴斯 (Jerry Rice)。

維納蒂耶里被廣泛認為是有史以來最好的踢球手之一，曾隨新英格蘭愛國者隊和印第安納波利斯小馬隊贏得四枚超級碗戒指。

克雷格是早期的雙威脅跑衛之一，幫助舊金山 49 人隊贏得了三個超級碗冠軍。他曾四次成為職業保齡球手，併入選 20 世紀 80 年代最佳陣容。

儘管庫奇利從未贏得過冠軍，但他仍然是 NFL 歷史上最有影響力的線衛之一。他是年度最佳防守球員，七次入選全職業球員，七次入選職業投球手。

今年的 HOF 班並非沒有爭議，傳奇教練比爾·貝利切克和新英格蘭愛國者隊老闆羅伯特·克拉夫特在入職第一年就被冷落。