Saturday was locker clean out and exit interviews for the New Jersey Devils. The interviews were conducted by and with team general manager Tom Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald followed up those exit interviews with a season ending interview of his own Wednesday.
Fitzgerald addressed the things you expected him to address, namely the contract talks with restricted free agents Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt. He, in addition, clarified a few things and brought up some interesting points.
Head Coach Lindy Ruff
Fitzgerald confirmed that head coach Lindy Ruff would be back. After the most successful regular season in franchise history, it was expected. Ruff was in the last year of his contract though. Without a contract there was always a chance he might not return, or might move to a different position in the front office while someone else took over behind the bench. When you’re a reigning Jack Adams Award finalist you’re the type of guy teams want to keep around, at least for the time being.
Maybe, we’ll be asking the same questions next season but until then when the 2023-2024 season begins it will be Ruff running the show. Fitzgerald did not specify how long the new contract for Ruff would be.
Expectations For Simon Nemec
Since being drafted, Simon Nemec has evolved into one of the most intriguing prospects in the NHL. This season in the AHL with the Utica Cometz did wonders for Nemec’s development.
Given this, Fitzgerald is optimistic that Nemec will contend for a roster spot next year. Adding the caveat of, “he’s only 19 years old,” means perhaps we should hedge expectations. Luke Hughes might be here to stay, but Nemec might need a little more time.
Jesper Bratt Update
Fitzgerald explained that the team “paused” contract extension talks with Jesper Bratt before the playoffs. That’s completely understandable considering the Devils were worrying about playoff hockey in April for the first time in forever. Fitzgerald then added in that the “framework” for a long term contract is there and that he knows that Jesper Bratt wants to stay here.
Two things are interesting. First, the fact Fitzgerald specifically mentioned a “long-term deal” seems to suggest the team wants to lock Bratt down for the foreseeable future and not have to deal with any short term or bridge deals. Either Bratt is here to stay, or he’s an asset that could be traded and dealt with otherwise.
Also, the fact the Fitzgerald mentioned that they want Jesper here and that Jesper wants to stay here sounds like a veiled attempt at saying it’s his agent keeping things from getting done.
How About Timo Meier?
The way Fitzgerald talked about Bratt’s situation seemed very concurrent. Things sounded a bit less optimistic, or at the very least still very premature, when it came to a potential Timo Meier extension.
Fitzgerald said that Meier’s agent and he have been talking and that he thinks this is the right place for Meier and hoped they’d figure out something “long term.” Just like we said with Bratt, don’t expect any short-term or bridge deals. You’re either here to stay or your time in New Jersey will be limited.
Another interesting thing to consider: the second conditional draft pick sent to the San Jose sharks is contingent on Meier playing in “at least 50 percent of its playoff games” next season. Let’s say hypothetically Meier tells Fitzgerald he doesn’t want to sign in New Jersey long term. Trading Meier prior to next year’s deadline might prevent that condition from kicking in and that draft pick becoming a first round pick. That draft pick is also contingent on New Jersey reaching the 2024 Eastern Conference final (it was contingent on this year’s Eastern Conference final as well, but that obviously wasn’t converted with the Devils’ second round loss).
Regardless, it’s too early to infer anything about this situation. Meier is under team control and retaining him long term will be the priority.
Speaking Of the Draft
Fitzgerald told reporters that even though the Devils don’t have a first-round pick (that went to San Jose and become a first-round pick when New Jersey qualified for the playoffs), “doesn’t mean we won’t get one.” What could that mean?
Probably nothing. But, the seemingly most probable explanation is that the team adds a pick via draft. That becomes more likely if Bratt ends up on the trade table.
Of course, as mentioned, the most likely outcome is that nothing happens and that was just one of those classic media quotes. He’s likely just acknowledging that an opportunity might come up and all avenues are rightfully possible.
The Goalie Situation
Fitzgerald expressed his happiness with the goaltending for the team this season. Then again, how could he not be when Vitek Vanecek wildly exceeded expectations? Yes, Vanecek struggled in the playoffs, but having reliable goaltending for the first time in years was a major part of this season’s success.
The seemingly positive satisfaction might put a hold on any trade speculation for the time being. At the very least, it means that Vitek Vanecek and Akira Schmid will seemingly have a job with the team next year, barring any unexpected changes.