General manager is parting ways with the New Jersey Devils, the latest NHL team to make an abrupt late-season change in the front office or behind the bench.
Co-owner David Blitzer announced Monday that a decision had been made for Fitzgerald to leave the organization. Fitzgerald had been GM since January 2020 and got the title president of hockey operations early in 2024, .
鈥淭om and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction,鈥� Blitzer said. 鈥淭om 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鈥� organization and NHL, and I am grateful for our friendship.”
Fitzgerald was responsible for building much of the core of the roster around top picks Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, who were drafted when he was an assistant to Ray Shero. The 57-year-old endured criticism in recent months for and for extending Jacob Markstrom early, before the goaltender’s struggles.
鈥淎fter 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,鈥� Fitzgerald said. 鈥淭he 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鈥檝e always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem, and I鈥檓 proud of the effort that we put in to raise the standard and make it a destination.”
New Jersey made the playoffs twice in the five seasons with Fitzgerald in charge, losing in the second round in 2023 and bowing out in the first round last year.
鈥淎s 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,鈥� Blitzer said. “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.鈥�
It’s unclear what this means for the future of coach Sheldon Keefe, who is nearing the end of his second season. in May 2024.
Fitzgerald, who was part of USA Hockey’s management group that that , could immediately become a candidate for one of the other GM vacancies around the league. The Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs after are currently searching for a new head of hockey operations.
鈥淚 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,” Fitzgerald said. “I look forward to the next step in my hockey career and will always look back fondly on my time with the Devils.鈥�
Fitzgerald spent time in Nashville and Toronto during his playing career. He was the first captain of the Predators, wearing the 鈥淐鈥� from 1998-02 while Trotz was coaching the team and played two seasons with the Maple Leafs from ’02-04.
After going into management, Fitzgerald was director of player development when Pittsburgh won the Stanley Cup in 2009. He joined the Devils in 2015.
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