New Jersey Devils to Evaluate Sheldon Keefe After GM Firing
The New Jersey Devils have entered a period of uncertainty after firing general manager Tom Fitzgerald, with head coach Sheldon Keefe now set to be evaluated at the end of the NHL season. NHL reporter James Nichols reported that Keefe has already been informed about the review. The coach confirmed the development, admitting he will be part of a formal evaluation process once the campaign ends.
The decision signals a wider reset within the organization as ownership looks to reshape leadership. Keefe, who joined the Devils in May 2024, guided the team to the playoffs in his first season. However, the current campaign has been inconsistent.
New Jersey holds a 40-34-3 record and sits seventh in the Metropolitan Division, leaving its playoff hopes hanging by a thread. MORE: Jon Cooper slams ‘dangerous’ mistake after Pontus Holmberg injury The team’s struggles have come despite strong individual performances. Jack Hughes leads the roster with 72 points, while Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier continue to provide support.
Still, inconsistency in both offense and defense has limited their progress. So far in 160 games, Keefe has an 82-67-11 record as the Devils’ coach. Sheldon Keefe talked about Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald’s firing Former New Jersey Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald speaks to the media.
– Via Imagn Images Speaking after Fitzgerald’s dismissal, Keefe accepted responsibility for the team’s position. He said a coach’s role is to execute the general manager’s vision, and admitted the group has fallen short of expectations. “Like I said, it’s not something that I feel good about, the situation that I put – that we put – the team and ‘Fitzy’ in here,” Keefe said, via NHL.