Whenever New Jersey Devils’ general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, gives an interview, we pay extra attention. Every quote and every answer he gives we read twice to try to get the bottom of what the team’s front office is doing. Maybe we’re on to something? Maybe we’re driving ourselves crazy? Who knows.
This past weekend, Fitzgerald was part of NHL.com’s “Sitting Down With” series. Most of the interview was about his business with the Devils and the emergence of certain players. There was also a bit of personal news from Fitzgerald as he talked about seeing his son make his NHL debut this past season. Here’s what we noticed from Fitzgeralds’ answers:
Paths On Player Development
The first question Fitzgerald was asked was about Jack Hughes immediate graduation to the NHL instead of spending a year in junior hockey or college. Fitzgerald said he thinks Hughes going though that “lousy” first year worked best for him. Although he did add that former general manager Ray Shero might have discussed it with the Hughes’ family.
When asked about rookie Dawson Mercer, Fitzgerald said he expected him to spend a year in the AHL with the Utica Comets. Fitzgerald doesn’t seem to have any preferred path for his prospects to the NHL. Don’t expect him to lose any sleep over the fact Alexander Holtz isn’t an everyday NHL player yet.
Be Patient
Fitzgerald seems to be more on the patient side when it comes to being a general manager. When explaining how he approaches his role he explains, “I live game to game with the wins and losses,” and later added he looks forward to, “when these guys really hit their stride,” as a young NHL team. That might not be what Devils’ fans want to hear after they’ve been patient and have waited so long for this team to return to being competitive.
Don’t Expect Any Big Trade Deadline News
The headline for the interview reads, “Fitzgerald talks Devils plan for trade deadline…” but there was no breaking news on the trade front. Jimmy Vesey and P.K. Subban were mentioned, but only as pending unrestricted free agents and Fitzgerald saying he would talk with their agents. We’ve already mentioned Fitzgerald’s patience, which he once again brought up by saying the trade deadline is a month away.
Should We Not Expect Draft Picks?
One of his exact quotes about potential trades he was looking for was, “somebody in the age demographic of where we’re at with the core of our team.” Is there a hockey trade that makes sense for the Devils more long-term, but can help jumpstart them now. Since he’s talking about hypothetical “somebodies,” Fitzgerald might be eyeing prospects or NHL-ready players as potential trade returns instead of draft picks. Draft picks might not be a need for this rebuilding team anymore after having five first round picks in the past two years.
A Full-180 On Jesper Bratt
In Fitzgerald’s first interview after taking over for Ray Shero, he famously said the only players he wouldn’t trade away were Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Mackenzie Blackwood. Jesper Bratt was left off his shortlist back in 2020 but no things have changes. When asked about Bratt, Fitzgerald couldn’t stop singing his praises.
It All Comes Back To Hughes
When discussing Bratt’s chemistry with linemates, Fitzgerald specifically referenced his chemistry with Jack Hughes. That continues a trend we’ve seen with the team tying Jack Hughes personal success to the success of the team overall. While at the beginning of the Fitzgerald’s tenure, Hischier and Hughes were looked at as equally important parts, it looks like Jack has taken top billing. Subtle little reminders like Fitzgerald bringing him into the discussion about Bratt’s stellar play further reinforce that belief.
So Is Anybody “Un-Tradeable”?
Fitzgerald may not have protected certain players by name like he did in that very first interview, but it’s safe to assume that franchise, “Mr. Everything Right Now,” Jack Hughes is safe. Glowing reviews in the same article of Jesper Bratt and Jonas Siegenthaler also paint them as safe for now. Fitzgerald was vague, but explained, “We’re not settled on ‘we’re too good up the middle’ or ‘we’ve got some quality wingers’ or ‘we’ve got some good defensemen coming.’” If that quote is any indication, Fitzgerald might be open to anything as long as he can justify its long-term benefit for the team.