New Jersey Devils part ways with longtime general manager Tom Fitzgerald

The Devils are making a change in the front office as they miss the playoffs again.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in abstract, overlapping shapes and planes of color, with no recognizable players or logos, conceptually representing the strategic changes happening within the New Jersey Devils organization.The New Jersey Devils' front office shakeup signals a need for a new strategic vision to revitalize the struggling franchise.Today in Pittsburgh

The New Jersey Devils have parted ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald, who had been with the organization since 2015 and served as GM since 2020. Co-owner David Blitzer announced the decision, citing a need to move in a new direction for the franchise. Fitzgerald was responsible for building much of the Devils' current roster around top draft picks Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, but the team has struggled to make the playoffs consistently in recent seasons.

Why it matters

The Devils' decision to part ways with Fitzgerald comes as the team is set to miss the playoffs again this season, marking the third time in five years they have failed to reach the postseason under his leadership. This move signals a shift in the franchise's direction as they look to get back to being a consistent playoff contender.

The details

Fitzgerald had been the Devils' general manager since January 2020 and was also given the title of president of hockey operations in 2024 along with a contract extension. However, he faced criticism in recent months for some of his roster moves, including signing players to restrictive no-trade clauses and extending goaltender Jacob Markstrom before his struggles. The Devils made the playoffs twice in Fitzgerald's five seasons in charge, losing in the second round in 2023 and the first round last year.

  • Fitzgerald had been the Devils' GM since January 2020.
  • Fitzgerald was given the title of president of hockey operations in 2024.
  • The Devils are set to miss the playoffs again this season, the third time in five years they have failed to reach the postseason under Fitzgerald's leadership.

The players

Tom Fitzgerald

The former general manager of the New Jersey Devils, who had been with the organization since 2015 and served as GM since 2020.

David Blitzer

The co-owner of the New Jersey Devils, who announced the decision for Fitzgerald to leave the organization.

Nico Hischier

A top draft pick of the Devils, who Fitzgerald was responsible for building the team's core around.

Jack Hughes

Another top draft pick of the Devils, who Fitzgerald was responsible for building the team's core around.

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What they’re saying

“Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction. Tom changed the trajectory of our team here, including setting a franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination. He is a well-respected leader across the Devils' organization and NHL, and I am grateful for our friendship.”

— David Blitzer, Co-owner, New Jersey Devils

“After talking with David Blitzer, it was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team. The Devils are fortunate to have a core of great players, vocal and passionate fans, but most importantly, tremendous people who worked with me toward a common goal. I've always said that New Jersey is a hidden gem, and I'm proud of the effort that we put in to raise the standard and make it a destination.”

— Tom Fitzgerald, Former General Manager, New Jersey Devils

What’s next

It's unclear what this means for the future of coach Sheldon Keefe, who is nearing the end of his second season with the Devils. Fitzgerald hired Keefe in May 2024.

The takeaway

The Devils' decision to part ways with Fitzgerald signals a shift in the franchise's direction as they look to get back to being a consistent playoff contender. The team has struggled to make the postseason in recent years, and this move is an attempt to find new leadership that can help turn the team around.