New Jersey Devils Face Coaching and Front Office Uncertainty

Sheldon Keefe's future with the Devils is unclear as GM Tom Fitzgerald's role may change

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:19pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in muted tones, conceptually representing the uncertainty and fragmentation within the New Jersey Devils organization.The New Jersey Devils' organizational turmoil is reflected in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the team's on-ice action and off-ice drama.Today in Pittsburgh

The New Jersey Devils are facing uncertainty in their coaching and front office leadership, with questions surrounding the futures of head coach Sheldon Keefe and general manager Tom Fitzgerald. The team recently celebrated captain Nico Hischier's 600th NHL game, but the focus has shifted to the organization's leadership and potential changes on the horizon.

Why it matters

The Devils' coaching and front office stability is crucial for the team's long-term success and development of young talent like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Any major changes could disrupt the team's progress and create further uncertainty for the franchise.

The details

The Devils' coaching situation is in flux, with speculation that former Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy could be a potential replacement for Sheldon Keefe. However, the team's general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, may also see his role change, potentially being stripped of his president title even if he remains the GM.

  • On Sunday, the Devils celebrated Nico Hischier's 600th NHL game.
  • Earlier this week, the Toronto Maple Leafs fired their general manager, Brad Treliving.

The players

Sheldon Keefe

The current head coach of the New Jersey Devils, whose future with the team is uncertain.

Tom Fitzgerald

The general manager of the New Jersey Devils, who may see his role change within the organization.

Nico Hischier

The captain of the New Jersey Devils, who recently played in his 600th NHL game.

Jack Hughes

A young, talented forward for the New Jersey Devils who is part of the team's core.

Bruce Cassidy

The former head coach of the Boston Bruins, who is being considered as a potential replacement for Sheldon Keefe with the Devils.

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What they’re saying

“As soon as Bruce Cassidy was let go of on Sunday, a few people texted me right away asking if I thought he would be a good fit behind the New Jersey bench.”

— James Nichols, Sports Writer

“At this point, I'm not expecting Tom Fitzgerald to be fired as Devils GM. However, could he be stripped of his President title?”

— James Nichols, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Devils' organization will need to make a decision on the futures of Sheldon Keefe and Tom Fitzgerald in the coming weeks or months, as the team looks to build on its recent progress and development of young talent.

The takeaway

The uncertainty surrounding the Devils' coaching and front office leadership could have significant implications for the team's long-term direction and success. Maintaining stability and continuity will be crucial for the Devils as they look to take the next step as an organization.