The Olympic break has wrapped up, and seven New Jersey Devils players took to the ice representing their national teams. Jack Hughes was the only one to bring home a medal, but five of the seven, including Hughes, showcased performances that matched or even surpassed their best games this season with the Devils.
While Jonas Siegenthaler and Jesper Bratt’s performances remain a bit of a question mark, Hughes, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Simon Nemec, and Jacob Markstrom seemed to elevate their game on the Olympic stage. So, what’s happening back in New Jersey?
It's not like the Monstars from "Space Jam" have swooped in to steal the Devils' mojo. The issue seems to lie within the team's management or coaching-or possibly both.
Despite the Buffalo Sabres’ rise and solid play last night, the Devils had plenty of opportunities they just couldn’t capitalize on. The Sabres didn’t outshine them significantly; in fact, there were stretches where the Devils appeared to have the upper hand.
Yet, the Devils looked, for lack of a better term, uncomfortable on the ice.
This points to two possibilities: Sheldon Keefe’s coaching system isn’t clicking, or Tom Fitzgerald hasn’t assembled the right supporting cast around his stars-or maybe it's a combination of both. Keefe has proven his coaching chops in the NHL, but the true test is whether he can maximize his players' potential. At the moment, that’s not happening, with the Devils falling short of expectations and sitting near the bottom of the standings.
For a team expected to build on recent playoff appearances, this season feels more like a tutorial in how not to play hockey. The team’s lackluster performance suggests deeper issues. Whether it’s player morale, injuries, or something else, Keefe’s system isn’t allowing the Devils to thrive.
Perhaps more scrutiny should be directed at Tom Fitzgerald. This is his team, crafted in his vision.
If the pieces aren’t meshing, it might be time to rethink the roster. Yet, Fitzgerald has complicated matters with no-trade and no-movement clauses, making roster changes costly and challenging.
But that’s the job of a good NHL GM-to find solutions and reshape a struggling team. Fitzgerald initially won over Devils fans with some savvy moves, but that goodwill is waning.
If the 2025-26 season continues on this downward trajectory, changes are essential come summer. A team with this much talent shouldn’t be languishing at the bottom.
Good GMs make tough decisions to improve their squads. If that means Fitzgerald needs to part ways with Keefe to get results, then so be it.
Otherwise, ownership might need to consider a change at the GM level as well.
What’s your take on the Devils’ coaching and management after their latest setback? Should the coaching staff or Fitzgerald be the first to go?
Or is it time for a complete overhaul? Can Fitzgerald still make the necessary moves to turn things around?
Share your thoughts below, and as always, thanks for reading!