Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Turning Point Trade Led to Fitzgerald’s Demise with the Devils

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Apr 12, 2026 1:06 PM ET

The New Jersey Devils have moved on from general manager Tom Fitzgerald and are actively searching for his replacement. A team that had lofty expectations, the questions about where things went off the rails will be something this new GM has to answer in order to get things back on track.

The reality is, several things went sideways, but one missed opportunity may have ultimately sealed Fitzgerald’s fate.

Fitzgerald had an opportunity to add a key difference-maker to a roster loaded with talent, including Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier. That player was Quinn Hughes, and there was legitimate buzz that he wanted to go there and join his brother, Jack.

Quinn could have been the piece that got the Devils over the hump. Oddly, reports surfaced that the Devils weren’t willing to — or couldn’t due in part to salary cap constraints and difficulty moving contracts — part with the pieces needed to get the deal done.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the Vancouver Canucks traded Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. The Devils were heavily rumored to be in the mix, but were unable to finalize a deal and Wild GM Bill Guerin stepped up.

You could tell from Quinn’s comments that he was excited to be joining the Wild, but he also seemed a bit bitter that the Devils didn’t find a way to clear the required room. Fitzgerald took a lot of heat for not better managing his roster and letting a player like Hughes slip through.

Hughes’ Success in Minnesota Didn’t Help

Since arriving in Minnesota, Hughes has elevated the Wild, showing just exactly what New Jersey may have missed out on. The Devils immediately started to crumble after the trade, losing eight of 10 games in a stretch that effectively derailed their season.

While Fitzgerald’s tenure will be judged on more than one move, this was a big misstep that could follow him. His inability to land a franchise-changing defenseman—one who may have committed long-term and appeared ready to join the Devils—will sting for some time.

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

More must-reads: