Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report.
NEWARK, N.J. -- On June 22, the New Jersey Devils announced the hiring of 52-year-old Travis Green. He will join the team's coaching staff, replacing Andrew Brunette, who accepted the position of head coach for the Nashville Predators.
"Travis has a wealth of coaching experience from his time at the junior, AHL, and NHL levels," said Lindy Ruff in the team's press release. "He is super excited about working with our team, and I know his attention to detail within the game will have a positive impact. Travis's energy and engaging personality are great assets for our group and a huge benefit when working with our players one-on-one."
Green served as the Vancouver Canucks head coach from the 2017-18 to 2021-22 season. Through 314 games with the Canucks, he earned a record of 133-147-34, leading his team to a second-round playoff appearance in 2020. He and general manager Jim Benning were fired on Dec 5, 2021.
In an interview with Thomas Drance of The Athletic, Green spoke about getting another opportunity behind the bench.
"You go through a little adversity, and you work on things to get better, and I think I'll be better in all areas of coaching right now, just because of natural progression, but also having the time to evaluate and look back," he said. "It's taking stock of the things you're good at and working on the things you're not as good at — because everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. I'm a guy that loves challenges. I love coaching; that's the competitive part of us. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting another opportunity." (from 'Travis Green on Canucks regrets, Rick Tocchet and being ready for what's next' The Athletic, Apr 28, 2023).
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Green had a few offers, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames. He chose New Jersey, and his familiarity with the team's general manager could have influenced his decision.
Fitzgerald and Green were teammates a few times throughout their careers. During the 1992-93 season as members of the New York Islanders, again on the Toronto Maple Leafs (2002-03 season), and finally, the Boston Bruins for the 2005-06 campaign. This is not the first time the Devils' general manager hired a former teammate. He and Brunette played together on the expansion Nashville Predators in the 1998-99 season.
Green joins head coach, Lindy Ruff, assistant coaches Ryan McGill, Chris Taylor, Sergei Brylin, and goaltending coach Dave Rogalski.