Devils Keep GM and Coach After 9–0 Rout as Calls Grow for Core Shake-Up

Overview

• Following the 9-0 loss to the Islanders, both Tom Fitzgerald and Sheldon Keefe were at practice the next day and retained by ownership.
• Keefe labeled the situation a "crisis" and urged the team to "be real," as critics question whether his structure slows a roster built for speed.
• Fitzgerald faces heavy scrutiny for roster construction and public silence, with reports of 15 no-move or no-trade protections and at least one proposed deal reportedly vetoed by Dougie Hamilton under his 10-team list.
• Jacob Markström surrendered nine goals in the defeat, and one analyst said the outing may rate as the worst on record by goals saved above expected, a claim still pending full verification.
• Despite a prolonged slump and an offense ranked 29th at 2.64 goals per game, New Jersey sits close to a playoff spot as commentators push for a dramatic shake-up of the player core.