New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald held his end-of-season media availability on April 18.
On April 18, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald stood at the podium to address the media and discuss a disappointing 2023-24 season.
For 37 minutes, he spoke about the state of his team, saying, "What we got is what we deserved."
It was an eye-opening press conference as he touched on various topics, including the commitments and beliefs his team needs to take the next step to becoming a contender. He also said he needs the right coach in place to lead his team, and during his availability, he spoke about what his timeline for that hire looks like.
Fitzgerald's Timeline For a Head Coach
The organization relieved Lindy Ruff of his head coaching duties on March 4. Associate coach Travis Green was promoted to interim head coach and, over the last 21 games, led New Jersey to an 8-12-1 record.
Fitzgerald revealed during his press conference that there is a timeline for deciding on the team's next head coach.
"I'd like to have something in place before the draft. That gives me flexibility with the candidates, including Travis," Fitzgerald said. "You don't know what could shake out after the first round either. I want to take my time with this. I have specific boxes I want checked."
Some of those specific boxes include someone who is an excellent communicator who will provide both negative and positive feedback to the players, a collaborative partner who will work not only with Fitzgerald but with other departments in the organization as well, and finally, someone who will hold every player accountable, not just "a handful of guys."
"I owe it to the organization that I scour the coaching world for who I believe would be the perfect coach for this group moving forward for what's available out there," Fitzgerald said. "(Green) checks a lot of boxes. I think he's a no-nonsense head coach. I think he's very open. Players know where he stands and his thoughts, and that's important. But it's my responsibility to make sure no stone is left unturned."
He Wants Hockey Players and Not Just Guys That Play Hockey
There will be changes to New Jersey's roster this summer.
When an organization fails to reach its end goal, and 31 do so every season, the front office, players, and fans expect changes.
Fitzgerald discussed the attributes he is looking for and commented he wants guys who are hockey players and not just guys who play hockey.
"First and foremost, they have to be passionate. They need to love the game," he said. "They need to come every single day, punch the clock and go to work, and actually enjoy it. Those are the players that are willing to block shots. Players that are comfortable with confrontation, who understand that physicality is part of the game."
Another point was having a momentum line or two, something the Devils have not had in their lineup since the BMW Line, consisting of Nathan Bastian, Michael McLeod, and Miles Wood.
Commitment & Conditioning Needs to Improve
"There's another level that we have to get to, and I'm not just talking about on the ice," he continued. "I'm talking about off the ice, too. Leading the way off the ice. Doing things in the weight room is as important as the extra stuff you do on the ice, whether it's D drills, faceoffs for centers, or wall play for wingers. It's all-encompassing. We've got to get there."
Fitzgerald did not hold back when addressing what he saw from his players when it came to their conditioning and what practice habits needed to improve.
"When we go to work, we work. I ask you for an hour a day," Fitzgerald said of practices. "You should be able to handle a very crisp skate in March after four (games) in five (days). It's a mindset. That's where I'd like to get to. I want the game to be easy for our players. The only way to do that is to get into the best possible shape we can be."
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