Important Takeaways From Tom Fitzgerald's Press Conference

After exit interviews were completed earlier this week, all eyes and ears of Devils’ fans were waiting for today as general manager Tom Fitzgerald was to address the media. Even more important, Fitzgerald was expected to address the team’s coaching, specifically head coach Lindy Ruff. Just the day before the team announced that assistant coaches Alain Nasreddine and Mark Recchi would not be returning as coaches. For what it’s worth, Nasreddine’s contract was expiring while Reechi was still under contact.

Thursday’s press conference was not the highly-anticipated event some thought it was. However, here’s what we learned and some thoughts.

#NJDevils GM Tom Fitzgerald said Lindy Ruff was brought in to be his partner and they will together decide on new coaching hires.
— Kristy (@InStilettos_NHL) May 5, 2022

Lindy Ruff is Still Here, As Something

That was one of the first quotes to come out from Fitzgerald on Ruff after the press conference. It sounds as if Lindy Ruff is still employed by the Devils. Fitzgerald never mentioned he was still head coach. Since he didn’t say Ruff was specifically no longer head coach, it’s safe to assume he’s still the bench boss. At least for the time being.

#NJDevils Tom Fitzgerald:

"We need Jesper Bratt in our lineup."
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) May 5, 2022

Has Fitzgerald Finally Turned the Corner On Jesper Bratt?

When Fitzgerald took over, he immediately said the only three players he wasn’t willing to trade where Nico Hischier, Mackenzie Blackwood, and Jack Hughes. The notable admission was Jesper Bratt. Giving such a strong endorsement of Bratt means not only will does it seem extremely likely he is brought back, but hopefully will avoid the contract drama that Bratt and the team had in the 2020 off season.

Fitzgerald said he doesn't use the goaltending situation as an excuse in evaluation, particularly on D. On defense he said, "I want to get bigger, I want to get more mobile, I want to be harder to play against."
— Sam Kasan (@samikasan) May 5, 2022

Don’t Shoot The Messenger, Or The Goalie

The Devils got dealt the worst hand possible when it came to goaltending this season with MacKenzie Blackwood’s injury and Jonathan Bernier’s season-ending surgery. Yet, Fitzgerald interestingly didn’t blame the goaltending

“Blame” might have been a strong word, but every statistic imaginable points to the Devils being a much better team if they at least had a consistently average goalie in net. Fitzgerald did talk about how he wants to improve the defense in front of the goaltender, in part to prevent what happened this season.

His definition of “bigger,” “more mobile,” and “harder to play against,” doesn’t fit the mold of Ty Smith. Could Smith be expendable? He had a rough sophomore season, and was a Ray Shero draft pick so he might not fit into Fitzgerald’s vision going forward.

Fitzgerald said that D Shakir Mukhamadullin is on his way to America. He'll go to Utica. He may or may not play games, but he's on the way.
— Sam Kasan (@samikasan) May 5, 2022

Coming To The U.S.A.

A surprising development from the press conference was Fitgerald saying that not only did Shakir Mukhamadullin get his visa, but that he’s coming to the United States to spend some time with the Utica Comets. Devils’ fans have been waiting to see the Russiand defenseman, more out of curiousity instead of hype.

The team seemingly went off the board to take him in the 2020 NHL draft. Assuming he starts in Utica next year (as a young defensemen from the KHL he will need a bit of preparation for the North American style of play for the NHL) an NHL call-up isn’t out of the question.

#NJDevils Tom Fitzgerald on players like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier in exit meetings:

"They are very supportive of Lindy Ruff."

They mentioned how influential he's been to the growth of their careers.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) May 5, 2022

Team Not Divided On Coaching?

In our piece on team exit interviews, we noticed both Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes gave differing answers when asked about the team’s coaching staff. According to Fitzgerald, both talked positively of Lindy Ruff.

Maybe Hischeir refused to comment on the assistant coaches? Maybe it was Reechi and Nasreddine he had a problem with? If what Fitzgerald said is true, neither of the team’s top two centers should complain should Ruff return.

TF says that he’ll look into potential options with his first round draft pick which may include moving it.
— Neal (@nealmchale) May 5, 2022

This Year’s Draft

One of the most surprising developments was Fitzgerald saying he was open to trading his first-round pick this year. Considering he had five first round picks in his first two drafts as New Jersey’s general manager, the draft capital might not be worth as much to him as it once did.

Fitzgerald was very careful to mention “trading back,” leading us to believe that he should expect a pick in return. It remains to be seen if that would be a later first round pick, as New Jersey is once again slotted to pick in the top ten, or another round. Then again, that’s all if he decides to trade the pick away. The draft lottery and its outcome can change those plans. If he does trade, don’t expect only players or prospects back in return.

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Important Takeaways From General Manager Tom Fitzgerald’s Press Conference