It’s been almost 48 hours since the New Jersey Devils traded for Jacob Markstrom. The Devils needed to secure themselves a goalie. After the 2023-24 season, it was proven that not getting rid of Vitek Vanecek was a mistake. A lot of people were critical of Tom Fitzgerald this past season and said that he was on the hot seat. However, he was praised for his efforts last year.
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7 Comments
Fitz gets too much hate imo. I don't think it was unreasonable to run it back with vanacek and schmid expecting at least one to be close to how they were the year before. When the wheels fell off last season, it's difficult to address goalies in season without getting taken to the cleaners, i think it was a better move to stand firm vs giving up important assetts.
Here's the Fitzgerald hate in a nutshell: "Why doesn't he JUST go and get (insert whatever position or player needed/wanted)? Why isn't he doing anything?" Folks tend to not grasp that just because you WANT something, it doesn't mean the other GMs are going to just make a deal in your favor and it doesn't mean a player is just going to sign to whatever contract you offer. Fitz, like any GM, doesn't have the ability to force acquisitions to happen. It's a two way street every time and just because a deal doesn't get made, it doesn't mean the effort isn't being made. Did he screw up by not addressing the goalie issue earlier? Maybe, but also considering that there were other factors at play, such as the goalies available weren't really an upgrade or weren't willing to waive a NTC, or GMs simply weren't going to make a trade without NJ having to give up an unreasonable stack of assets. Blaming Fitzgerald for all the woes is ridiculous but fans always need a scapegoat and easy answers that don't exist.
Tbh should’ve just gave helly 8.5 and have kakko as our back up, paying 6.2 for older goalies what’s another 3 mill for long term tbh
With this ownership I dont think Fitz is on the hotseat but i do believe this offseason will play into what his job status will be down the road.
My reasons for saying he should be:
Waiting too long to fire Ruff, Blasting Holtz in the media standing up for his buddy, Ruff, devaluing his own player, waiting too long to pull the trigger on Jake Allen because that deal was there if he commited to playing him but he waited and watched this team spiral while post season was still in grasp since no one was running away with it. Watching the .500 inconsistant play of the team, late starts, playing from behind, the goalie carosel, stupid catch phrases like "big game hunting", projecting too much. A smallish, speedy north south team that is NOT built to win in the Metro, and watching the playoffs, what do you think, shall i continue? I dont hate the guy. One of the problems today is everything is like a cult, all emotional love or hate…its not, its a business. Hamilton overpay after missing on his cousin Matthew Tkatchuk and Palat overpay after he missed on Johnny Hockey. Not finding a Veteran D man after Sevs and Gravy walked, instead putting 2 teenagers on the blueline. Luke Hughes being annionted a spot on the big club after just being in college for 2 years, playing top minutes. The way this franchise has handled goaltending. I posted a link below showing all the goalies under his watch. Grabbing Holtz instead of Askarov. Kowalski still being on the payroll. Taffoli trade.
A 6'6" 229 lb 23yr old defenseman thats 2nd on the team with hits and blocked shots on a nice contract is NOT easily replaced. Thats just a talking point thats parroted by those who wish to justify it. I understand you have to give to get but blasting Bahl on the way out with bs is bush…
https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/new-jersey-devils-goalie-carousel-under-tom-fitzgerald
What has Fitzgerald done during his 4 years tenure? Nothing!
I do think if the summer went by and he didn’t get the “big game” goalie he spoke about AND we weren’t on track to make the playoffs by January/February, AND no moves were made again mid season to improve the club, his seat would be very warm. But it would have to be another perfect storm otherwise I don’t think he was necessarily close to being fired. I really like the Keefe hire and think he should be a good fit for the team we have to be successful and Markstrom is solid and experienced enough to take the majority of goalie starts, so so far so good. Still a lot of work to in trade/FA this summer but the most important items are already checked off.
As an aside, I hope that we bring back Season one and Hattaka to be the extra call ups on D. I thought they were both solid and would be good for that role with us
I really liked what you said today but I would rather have Kappo kahkonen over jake Allen. Let me know if you agree please. And thanks for the awesome job you do