Is Tom Fitzgerald’s job in danger after Quinn Hughes?

Frustration begins to boil between them New Jersey Devils fans, and the recent loss only added fuel to the fire. After falling 2-1 to the Vancouver Canucks, the Devils once again they found themselves in front of a chatter that doomed the season.

The defeat also came amid lingering disappointment over Kevin Hughes, the defensive superstar of many Devils fans hoped he would eventually land in New Jersey. The Devils were linked to Hughes almost immediately after speculation emerged that the Vancouver Canucks captain could be on the move.

While Hughes is no longer in Vancouveralso not wearing a Devils sweater. Instead, the Minnesota Wild made a blockbuster deal, sending Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Bujum and a 2026 first-round pick to the Canucks. It was a huge comeback, one New Jersey couldn’t realistically match, especially considering Vancouver’s desire for a proven center.

Even if Hughes ends up wanting to play in New Jersey, remains under contract until the 2026-27 seasongiving Minnesota potentially two playoff runs with an elite defensive player.

That reality left Devils fans wondering if the front office missed an opportunity and if general manager Tom Fitzgerald should face the consequences. However, according to recent reports, those concerns are not shared internally.

General manager Tom Fitzgerald has the “full support” of Devils owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer and his job is not in jeopardy, a team source told NJ Advance Media on Monday. A report by Ryan Nowozinski of NJ Advance Media provides reassurance that, for now, Fitzgerald’s position is secure.

The first was NHL insider Elliot Friedman abolished the notion of any changes at the top of the team during his recent appearance on Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts podcast.

“The first thing I’d like to say is that some people are wondering if Fitzgerald was in trouble, I don’t believe that right now,” Friedman said on the podcast. “God only knows what’s going to happen in the future. But if you’re saying the New Jersey Devils are on the verge of a GM change, no … I don’t believe they’re in trouble right now. I just don’t believe that’s the case at all.”

Criticism remains, however, as Fitzgerald was building the current roster, and several past decisions now limit flexibility due to no-move and no-trade clauses.

The draft day picks are especially big, as Minnesota’s package included Rossi and Bujum, players who were once available when New Jersey made different selections. Without Hughes, the Devils are left to patch holes, which are reflected in rough moves all the time Jack Hughes is recovering from injury.

The deep parts bring energy, but goals were rare. Although Fitzgerald is still out of the position, it wouldn’t be out of the question if the team ends up struggling to get results.