Why ‘No Eurika Moment’ Made Firing Fitzgerald Complicated for Devils

NEWARK — There was no dramatic wake-up call. No single game, no blowout loss, no locker-room explosion that flipped the switch for the New Jersey Devils firing Tom Fitzgerald.

The Devils introduced new general manager, Sunny Mehta, on Tuesday. The 48-year-old first-time GM endeared himself to the media and fans alike, pointing to an optimistic future under a new regime.

However, it was also the first time Devils ownership was available to speak on the split with Fitzgerald.

When Devils managing partner David Blitzer sat down to explain why the organization parted ways with longtime general manager and president of hockey operations Fitzgerald on April 6, his words painted a far more human—and perhaps revealing—picture than the usual polished NHL response.

“It’s a complicated [answer],” Blitzer said. “There wasn’t a moment where I woke up in the morning and said, like, ‘this needs to change.’ I think the reality is I worked with Tom for 11 years. Tom and his team are excellent and my relationship with them was very strong, and we would talk all the time.

“This was a really difficult season, but last year wasn’t an easy season either. This year was extremely disappointing. And so there was no eureka moment. I was evaluating the organization and talking with my partner, right? So talking with Josh [Harris] and talking out loud to myself sometimes… ultimately, we came to the conclusion that it felt like this was the time that made sense to part ways.

“And as soon as that happened, I sat down with Tom to just have a really open discussion. And we sort of both left that discussion, agreeing that it made sense timing wise to make that decision [to part ways].”

Those words echo the statement Blitzer made at the time when the Devils publicly announced they were firing Fitzgerald.

“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. I recognize we have not delivered in the way you expect and deserve and I understand and share in your frustration. 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.”