Several high-profile terminations have rocked the NHL of late. From Bruce Cassidy, Brad Treliving, Patrick Roy, and, most recently, Tom Fitzgerald of the New Jersey Devils, teams across the league are not shying away from drastic steps as the regular season approaches its end.
In the wake of this monumental change within the Devils’ management, Jack Hughes could not help but be a little sentimental as the franchise bids farewell to Fitzgerald.
Jack Hughes Moved by the Abrupt Firing of Tom Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald’s long and eventful tenure with the Devils has finally come to an end. He transitioned from an Assistant GM role to GM in 2020 and inherited a talented core that included players like Nico Hischier and Hughes. Unfortunately, Fitzgerald couldn’t manage to build a contender with the talent at hand.
The former GM spearheaded an excellent 2022-23 campaign when the Devils finished with 112 points, but could not sustain that form. The team soon fizzled out, finishing near the bottom of the standings the following season.
The Devils’ 40-34-3 record this season is unsalvageable at this point; combined with poor roster management and trade decisions, it may have been the tipping point for management regarding Fitzgerald.
However, Winter Olympics hero Hughes absolved Fitzgerald of blame for the Devils’ underwhelming season, stating that, ultimately, it’s the players who are the real difference-makers.
“At the end of the day, most of it comes down to the players, right? We are the ones going on the ice. We are the ones competing every night, and we are the ones who can change the outcome of a hockey game. So, just frustrating,” Hughes said.
The Devils star also added that he wishes the team had won more games for Fitzgerald’s sake. “I am a big part of this team, got a lot of love for Tommy Fitz. So sad to see him go, I wish we could have done better for him.”
Hughes’ distress at the management’s unprecedented decision to move on from Fitzgerald is palpable, as he expresses concern for Fitzgerald’s family during this difficult time and adds that the Fitzgeralds and Hughes are close off the ice.
Despite the many issues the franchise eventually ran into with Fitzgerald, Devils’ managing partner David Blitzer acknowledged the massive role the former GM played during his time overseeing the front office. “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.”
The coming offseason is expected to be a critical one for the Devils. The team will aim to regain competitive status and will need a worthy GM to guide it through a challenging time.
Former Toronto Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan is rumored to be on New Jersey’s radar. Shanahan played an instrumental role in spearheading the Maple Leafs, even if it didn’t end with a Stanley Cup.
Also Read: Ex-Maple Leafs Boss Separates Himself From the Pack For NJ Devils Job With Tom Fitzgerald Fired
