Devils part ways with GM Fitzgerald

The New Jersey Devils parted ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald, the team announced Monday.

Fitzgerald had served as the Devils' GM since January 2020 after initially joining the organization in 2015 as an assistant GM. New Jersey promoted him to president of hockey operations in addition to his role as GM when he signed an extension in January 2024.

The 57-year-old's contract ran through next season, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun. Fitzgerald was also an assistant general manager on the USA's Olympic men's hockey team this year.

"It was apparent to everyone that the best course of action is to move on for the benefit of the team," Fitzgerald said in a statement.

New Jersey sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-34-3 record. The Devils made the playoffs just twice in Fitzgerald's tenure, losing in the second round in 2023 before getting ousted by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the first round last year.

"As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans. I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve, and I understand and share in your frustration," Devils managing partner David Blitzer said. "This is a critical offseason for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again."

The franchise has had only five general managers since moving to New Jersey in 1982.

The Devils join the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators as teams searching for a GM. Fitzgerald was the first captain in Predators history and featured for Nashville from 1998-2002. He also played for the Maple Leafs from 2002-04.

New Jersey has five games left in the regular season.