Devils Face Uncertainty After GM Departure

Coach Sheldon Keefe navigates changes after Tom Fitzgerald leaves the team.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey game, with sharp planes of blue, red, and white representing the Devils' team colors and the instability of the franchise's leadership transition.The Devils' leadership transition creates uncertainty, but Coach Keefe must steady the team through this pivotal moment.Newark Today

The New Jersey Devils are facing an uncertain future after the departure of general manager Tom Fitzgerald. Head coach Sheldon Keefe must now guide the team through this transition, as the organization searches for a new GM to lead them forward.

Why it matters

Fitzgerald's exit creates instability for the Devils, who were showing signs of progress under his leadership. The new GM will need to quickly assess the team's strengths and weaknesses, and decide on the best path forward, which could impact Keefe's future as head coach.

The details

Fitzgerald informed Keefe of his decision to leave the Devils organization. The former GM had been with the team since 2015 and helped steer them through a rebuilding phase. His departure leaves the coaching staff and players in limbo, as they await the hiring of a new general manager who will shape the team's direction.

  • Fitzgerald informed Keefe of his decision on April 7, 2026.

The players

Sheldon Keefe

The head coach of the New Jersey Devils, who must now navigate the team through uncertainty following the departure of general manager Tom Fitzgerald.

Tom Fitzgerald

The former general manager of the New Jersey Devils, who has decided to leave the organization.

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What they’re saying

“This is a difficult situation, but we must remain focused and continue to work hard for the team and our fans.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Head Coach

What’s next

The Devils organization will begin the search for a new general manager to lead the team forward.

The takeaway

The departure of Tom Fitzgerald creates uncertainty for the New Jersey Devils, as they must now find a new general manager to guide the team's direction and determine the future of head coach Sheldon Keefe.