Here are Stan Fischler's thoughts on Tom Fitzgerald's elevated role.
Just in case -- mind you, just in case -- I've written down the name of a good "Shoulder Support" store near The Rock, which I'll gladly hand to my old pal Tom Fitzgerald.
I'm not suggesting that Fitzy will need it, but then again, he might since he's gonna be carrying a lot of weight now that he's not only the New Jersey Devils Exalted General Manager but also President of Hockey Operations.
POHO, that's the title Devils Managing Partner David Blitzer bestowed upon him while signing The Boss to a multi-year contract extension.
No question; Fitzy has work to do; plenty, as a matter of plain fact.
After all, after his Devs knocked off the elite-thinking Rangers last spring.
Based on that exalted development, New Jersey suddenly could see a fourth Stanley Cup with a 20/20 vision.
Not today.
Today, we Garden State fans have a playoff berth to worry about, and even gaining that will be a chore.
It may not be surprising now, but when you consider that The Hockey News Yearbook picked New Jersey to finish second in the Met, making the postseason has now become an issue.
But to the credit of Blitzer and others in the high command, Fitz is being rewarded for the future and the stockpile of young aces he's acquired along the way.
One could say that the Devs have the best group of forwards in the NHL -- when all healthy, of course -- and a defenseman named Luke Hughes who one day could be battling his older brother Quinn for the Norris Trophy.
Tom Terrific also must focus on the now and the possibility of trades to fortify his club for the homestretch. The blue-line corps needs some muscle and savvy.
Although Damon Severson had a booing section among the crowd, his experience is missed, as well as that of Ryan Graves.
The good news is that Fitzgerald has built the core of an exciting and winning team, but his mettle will be tested going forward.
In fact, it will be tested tonight in Raleigh. The Hurricanes are good but eminently beatable. Also, Carolina is within catching distance.
This will be one very-very current litmus test for Fitzgerald's club, and you can bet that the new President of Hockey Operations will be studying his team with an Argus eye.
Why do you think The Maven is offering Tom shoulder support advice?
He's gonna be carrying a mighty load moving forward as POHO and GM.