New Jersey Devils Fail to Make Playoffs Again, GM Fitzgerald Departs

The Devils' core has consistently underperformed, leading to major changes ahead.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, black, and white representing the New Jersey Devils' colors. The fragmented, multi-perspective style captures the team's struggles and the need for a fresh start.The New Jersey Devils' season ends in disappointment once again, leading to major organizational changes as the team searches for a new path forward.NYC Today

For the second time in three seasons, the New Jersey Devils have missed the NHL playoffs, leading to the departure of GM Tom Fitzgerald. The team's offense, special teams, and goaltending all struggled this season, despite having a talented core of young players. With Fitzgerald out, the Devils will need to make significant changes to shake up their underperforming roster.

Why it matters

The Devils' inability to build on their 2022-23 playoff appearance and consistent failure to reach the postseason has put immense pressure on the organization. Ownership will demand changes, and the new GM will likely need to make bold moves to overhaul the roster and get the team back on track.

The details

The Devils' offensive production dropped significantly this season, as they averaged the sixth-fewest goals per game at 2.76. Their power play and penalty kill also regressed, while goaltender Jacob Markstrom struggled with an .883 save percentage. Injuries to key players like Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt compounded the team's issues. Despite a strong eight-game win streak early in the season, the Devils ultimately could not keep pace with a more competitive Eastern Conference.

  • The Devils were eliminated from playoff contention with a 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on April 8, 2026.
  • On April 9, 2026, the Devils and GM Tom Fitzgerald agreed to part ways.

The players

Tom Fitzgerald

The former general manager of the New Jersey Devils, who was let go after the team missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

Jack Hughes

The Devils' star center, who missed time this season due to a freak off-ice hand injury and a lower-body injury.

Jesper Bratt

The Devils' left winger, who scored at a lower rate this season compared to last year.

Nico Hischier

The Devils' captain, who also saw his scoring production decline this season.

Jacob Markstrom

The Devils' starting goaltender, who had a down year with an .883 save percentage and 3.07 goals-against average.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This core has consistently underachieved, and whoever winds up replacing Fitzgerald needs to send a shot across the bow by shaking up his core with a big trade that makes material changes to the Devils' group.”

— Adam Proteau, Author

“Even though Fitzgerald's replacement is projected to have nearly $12.2 million in salary cap space to use to improve next season, some of that will have to go to RFA blueliner Simon Nemec, and some of it will be needed to fill out the roster.”

— Adam Proteau, Author

What’s next

The Devils' new general manager will need to make significant changes to the roster, potentially trading away a core player in order to acquire a true difference-maker and boost the supporting cast. The team's struggles have gone on for too long, and ownership will demand a shakeup to get the Devils back into playoff contention.

The takeaway

The New Jersey Devils' consistent failure to reach the playoffs despite having a talented young core has led to major changes, with GM Tom Fitzgerald departing. The new GM will need to be bold in reshaping the roster, as the current group has shown it cannot deliver the desired results. A fresh start may be necessary to get the Devils back on track.