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Devils’ Keefe Told Job Not Guaranteed Beyond This Season

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 1:06 PM ET

The New Jersey Devils have parted ways with President/GM Tom Fitzgerald, and head coach Sheldon Keefe could be next. It was learned on Tuesday that the organization has already told Keefe his position will be reevaluated at the end of the season.

Keefe confirmed while speaking with the media, “I’ll be part of an evaluation process that’ll happen at the end of this season. Obviously, they’ve got some decisions to make on who the new GM will be and what the leadership of the team looks like. I’ll be a part of that discussion and evaluation.”

And, in saying that, Keefe wasn’t suggesting the Devils would seek his advice on who stays and who goes. He was hinting that he could be on the hot seat as the hockey club makes changes.

This doesn’t mean, however, that Keefe is going to be fired.

Devils’ beat reporter Todd Cordell writes , “It depends on who the Devils hire for the President and GM roles, of course, but there is absolutely a world in which Sheldon Keefe sticks around as head coach.”

Keefe isn’t looking to leave. He said he wants to “be part of the solution” in New Jersey and hopes to remain on as the coach while they go through a transition. Interestingly, Brendan Shanahan is getting a lot of attention as a candidate in New Jersey, and he and Keefe have history from their time in Toronto.

The Devils signed Keefe to a four-year contract in May of 2024. He’s got two more seasons on his deal after this one.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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