As for the players, they also took blame for Fitzgerald’s firing and for taking a step back this season.
“You understand the business here, and we’re the guys that are on the ice and he trusted us,” Devils captain Nico Hischier said. “We weren’t performing the way we should have, and then in a business like that, things like that happen. So, obviously a bit disappointed. Very, very thankful for him and what he’s done for me.”
New Jersey is 218-204-39 since Fitzgerald was named full-time GM, which includes setting franchise records for wins (52) and points (112) in 2022-23. However, it only qualified for the playoffs twice in the previous five seasons, not including this one, and did not advance past the second round.
The Devils went on a 15-25-1 slide from Nov. 18- Feb. 26, putting their postseason hopes in danger. Despite going 12-5-1 since, they are on the verge of missing the playoffs.
“Most of it comes down to the players, right? We’re the ones going on the ice, we’re the ones competing every night and we’re the ones that are … can change the outcome of a hockey game,” center Jack Hughes said. “Just frustrating because I’m a big part of this team and (have) got a lot of love for Tommy Fitz, so sad to see him go and I wish we could have done better for him.”
Hughes along with Hischier, and forwards Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier were part of the core assembled by Fitzgerald, either in his time as the GM or assistant.
“He had a trust in me to be one of those leader guys to be part of this team for a long time, and obviously (I’m) very thankful that I’ve been a part of that plan the whole time, and we’ve been able to have a good relationship with a working together,” Bratt said. “Super thankful for all the years and for the trust that he put up in me and the whole core to be the leaders in this group.
“Obviously, he has built this team, and that’s going to show for years forward — even if he’s not the GM.”
On Monday, Devils managing partner David Blitzer called this “a critical offseason for our franchise,” and the GM hire is one they need to get right.
“I know I trust our ownership group, and they’re smart people,” Hughes said. “They’ll bring someone good in here, but it’s so fresh. Like I said, I just feel bad for him for Fitz now, just an awesome guy. Good at what he does. Just a very genuine person, so I just feel bad for him and his family.”
