Devils part ways with GM Tom Fitzgerald

With just five games left in the 2026 regular season, the Devils  are making a major change. New Jersey announced Monday night that they have parted ways with president of hockey operations and general manager Tom Fitzgerald . Fitzgerald, 57, had been in the Devils front office since 2015.

He started as an assistant GM and was named interim GM in January of 2020 before getting the full-time role of executive vice president and GM in July of 2020. Fitzgerald had held his most recent title since January 2024. The Devils are currently 40-34-3 and seven points back of the second wild card spot, making a Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance very unlikely.

Under Fitzgerald, the team made the postseason in 2023, beating the Rangers in the first round before falling to the Carolina Hurricanes, and again last year (another exit at the hands of the Hurricanes). Devils managing partner David Blitzer released the following statement on the decision: "Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction,” Blitzer said. “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. I wish Tom and his family all the best. As we prepare to move forward, it is important I acknowledge our fans.