The New Jersey Devils came into this season with expectations sky-high-and so far, they’ve fallen well short of the mark. A team that was supposed to be taking the next step has instead been stuck in neutral, and the frustration is starting to show. The Devils haven’t been alone in underwhelming this year-just ask fans in Toronto-but that doesn’t take the spotlight off what’s become a deeply disappointing campaign in Newark.
At the center of the storm is general manager Tom Fitzgerald. While there’s no indication that a change is imminent, the pressure is mounting.
Another spring without playoff hockey, and it’s hard to imagine Fitzgerald still holding the reins when the NHL Draft rolls around. After all, this roster is his creation, and when expectations aren’t met, the GM is often the first to feel the heat.
That said, Fitzgerald isn’t exactly twisting in the wind-at least not yet. But around the league, there’s a growing sense that New Jersey could soon become a prime landing spot for a new front-office leader.
And make no mistake: it’s an attractive job. Any incoming GM would inherit a young core that includes Jack Hughes locked in for four more years, a pair of top-five picks in Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes already showing promise, and the opportunity to negotiate a long-term extension with captain Nico Hischier.
That’s a foundation most executives would love to build on.
With only one general manager change so far this season-Jarmo Kekäläinen taking over full-time in Buffalo-and Barry Trotz announcing his decision to step down, the league’s front-office carousel could soon start spinning again. And if New Jersey continues to sputter, Fitzgerald’s seat may only get hotter.
On Monday’s episode of The Sheet podcast, NHL insider Pierre McGuire floated an intriguing name: Brendan Shanahan. The former Devils forward and current Maple Leafs executive has reportedly come up in conversations around the league as a potential candidate for a future GM role. McGuire was careful not to speculate too heavily, but he did name both the Devils and the New York Rangers as teams worth watching.
“I hate to say this, because I don't like to speculate about people's jobs, but clearly it's been an underachieving season with New Jersey,” McGuire said. “Clearly, it's been an underachieving season for the New York Rangers two years in a row now. So you wonder about whether there could be something there for Brendan (Shanahan), who is a big name and is obviously very popular around the National Hockey League offices.”
Shanahan’s ties to the Devils run deep. He began and ended his Hall of Fame playing career in New Jersey and has longstanding relationships within the organization, including with franchise legend Martin Brodeur. He also worked closely with Lou Lamoriello during their time together in Toronto-another connection that could carry weight if the Devils decide to make a move.
The idea of Shanahan stepping into a front-office role in New Jersey is still speculative at this point, but it’s not coming out of nowhere. With the Devils underperforming and questions swirling about Fitzgerald’s future, it’s only natural for names like Shanahan’s to surface. He’s a respected figure around the league, with a blend of playing pedigree and executive experience that makes him an appealing candidate.
For now, though, the focus remains on the ice. If the Devils can turn things around down the stretch, Fitzgerald may yet steer this ship back on course. But if the struggles continue, don’t be surprised if the front-office chatter gets louder-and if big names like Shanahan stay in the conversation.