Before the puck dropped for the New Jersey Devils’ Development Camp scrimmage, general manager Tom Fitzgerald had a post free agency press conference. New Jersey has welcome the likes of Brendan Smith, Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat. They sent away Pavel Zacha, but the big news remained superstar Johnny Gaudreau choosing Metropolitan Division rival the Columbus Blue Jackets in free agency.
What new insight did Fitzgerald offer? What do we wish he explained more? Here’s a closer look at Friday morning press conference.
More Insight On Johnny Gaudreau
The hockey world waited impatiently on Wednesday for news coming out of top free agent Johnny Gaudreau’s camp. For most of the day it was quiet, too quiet. By afternoon news had emerged the Columbus Blue Jackets surprisingly entered the race. By that night, Gaudreau stunned everyone by signing there.
So, how did Tom Fitzgerald and company spend that day? Fitzgerald explained they made their pitch, but Gaurdreau’s agent never got back to them. His agent, as the kids are saying today, “ghosted them.” Fitzgerald did admit he thought they won the Gaudreau sweepstakes after talking directly to him and his wife.
More On Andrew Brunette
Former Florida Panthers interim coach, (who lead them to the President’s Trophy this season) Andrew Brunette, was officially announced as an addition to Lindy Ruff’s coaching staff. Brunette will run the New Jersey Devils power play and should be a welcome change from Mark Reechi. Fitzgerald explained that learning from Ruff might be what attracted Brunette to New Jersey.
Fitzgerald Got The Head Start On Brunette
Fitzgerald reached out to Brunette even before Florida had let him go. The Devils should be elated they landed Brunette, thrilled actually, but the timing of Fitzgerald reaching out raised a few eyebrows. Were there talks Florida wasn’t bringing him back? Normally if a team was in a situation like Brunette was with the Panthers a team would waste no time removing that ‘interim’ tag. Were him and the Panthers not able to come to a deal? Whatever the reason, welcome to New Jersey!
No More Big Names?
Fitzgerald said he’s open to making a few more depth moves, so additions to the team may still happen. Depth can be used interchangeably with boring in the eyes of the impatient fans. Don’t expect any more huge and surprising signings if what Fitzgerald said hold true.
Get By With a Little Help From My Friends
In the 24 hours since Ondrej Palat became a New Jersey Devils, he’s gotten a little help from his friends. He’s known current Devils Tomas Tatar for years and they have already been in touch. Palat also received a call from franchise legend Patrik Elias who Amanda Stein explains he has known for a “long time.”
Let’s Leave With Something Adorable
Listen Palat, when this happens we need pictures. Get the camera rolling when your dog sees that fluffy white stuff for the first time. They’re going to love it, but let’s hope you can find someone else to shovel your driveway.