Overview
- The team announced Monday that managing partner David Blitzer and Tom Fitzgerald agreed to part ways, with Blitzer saying it was time to move in a new direction.
- New Jersey is 40-34-3 and seven points back of a playoff spot with five games remaining, putting a postseason berth out of reach.
- No interim or permanent replacement has been named, and ownership has started a search for the next general manager.
- Fitzgerald had served as GM since 2020 and president of hockey operations since 2024, delivering a franchise‑record 112 points in 2022-23 and two playoff appearances, but he faced criticism for no‑trade clauses and an early Jacob Markstrom extension.
- Reports indicate he had one year left on his deal, and head coach Sheldon Keefe’s status will be reviewed after the season as ownership considers how to structure the front office.