On Monday evening, New Jersey Devils Managing Partner David Blitzer announced that Tom Fitzgerald would depart the organization.
The Devils have had a challenging 2025-26 season, with a 40-34-3 record for 83 points. The club sits seventh in the Metropolitan Division.
Per TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Fitzgerald had one year left on his contract next season.
“Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction,” Blitzer said in the press release. “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, 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.”
Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported that New Jersey's parting ways with Fitzgerald was as amicable as it could be. There will be no interim, and the search for a new general manager will begin immediately.
“After 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,” Fitzgerald said in the press release. “I 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. The 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’ve always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem, and I’m proud of the effort that we put in to raise the standard and make it a destination. I look forward to the next step in my hockey career and will always look back fondly on my time with the Devils.”
Fitzgerald was named interim General Manager on January 12, 2020, and was promoted to the full-time role of Executive Vice President/General Manager on July 9, 2020. He had served as President, Hockey Operations/General Manager since January 23, 2024.
This story will be updated.
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