New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald made waves throughout his first press convention of the season on Thursday, revealing a shocking but simple mandate for the staff’s offseason signings and trades: “No dickheads.” This blunt assertion might need caught followers and media off guard, but it surely received overwhelming assist from Devils’ followers on-line and stresses simply how a lot the group needs to construct a optimistic tradition following latest controversies.
The Devils have confronted vital challenges, together with the fallout from the continued investigation into the 2018 Workforce Canada World Junior Championship roster, which incorporates former Devils gamers Michael McLeod and Cal Foote. Each have been amongst 5 gamers charged by London police in reference to an alleged sexual assault.
Fitzgerald’s feedback could not have been instantly linked to those two gamers, but it surely’s laborious to not join a number of dots. The Devils are centered on shifting ahead, shedding detrimental press, and constructing a staff full of robust leaders and gamers who will help them contend for a playoff spot.
The Devils Have Made Vital Offseason Adjustments
The Devils have been energetic this offseason, signing defenseman Brett Pesce and ahead Tomas Tatar in free company whereas buying and selling for goaltender Jacob Markstrom. They’re additionally working to lock up restricted free agent Dawson Mercer, with Fitzgerald noting that contract talks have been optimistic however aren’t finalized but. “We’ve had very wholesome conversations, his agent and I, very respectful. However till it’s completed, he shall be lacking elements of camp,” Fitzgerald mentioned, including hope {that a} deal shall be accomplished quickly.
Fitzgerald additionally offered an replace on Brett Pesce’s well being, noting that whereas the defenseman isn’t 100% but, he’s made vital progress. “Every thing appears nice. It’s only a consolation with the skate, getting your agility and dealing on these muscular tissues,” Fitzgerald defined.
As for what different quotable nuggets Fitzgerald would possibly drop all through the season, that is still to be seen. The actual fact he mentioned this within the opening media scrum of the season on the primary day of camp suggests this might be an fascinating season.
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