Don’t expect big changes on the Devils roster anytime soon.
As general manager Tom Fitzgerald — the man who has drawn criticism from a fan base desperate for answers — met the media for the first time in months Wednesday morning, he made this much clear”
“I believe in this group. I believe in this group and for the fans,” Fitzgerald said. “I know how passionate they are, and I know how desperate they want a champion.”
This stance comes despite the Devils experiencing extreme performance swings — from 9-0 losses to flashes of brilliance — that have left fans and analysts questioning whether this group of players can ever achieve the consistency needed to compete for a championship.
When directly asked if he has concerns about “the viability of the core,” Fitzgerald’s conviction never wavered.
“I don’t, I really don’t. I believe in the core. We, as an organization, believe in this core,” he said. “We’ve seen them at the top of their game and we all like it and you guys have seen them on top of their game and you all like it and go, ‘Huh, that’s a good core.’”
The Devils, of course, were among the best teams in the NHL at the beginning of the season. Then came Jack Hughes’ stunning off-ice injury.
It’s been an uphill battle ever since. And now, New Jersey has work to do to earn its way back into the playoffs. In Hughes’ absence, the Devils struggled to score goals. Jesper Bratt went ice cold. Timo Meier’s numbers dipped. Nico Hischier, the team’s captain, couldn’t drive the play.
So, now what?
“The reality is there is plenty of runway. There’s still plenty of runway for this group to come together,” Fitzgerald said.
The Devils’ enter Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Kraken five points out of the final wild card spot.