The All-Star Break could not come at a better time for the New Jersey Devils. Five of their last six contests were decided in extra time, and even though they earned a record of 8-1-1 in their previous 10 games, the team hasn’t been thrilled with their play as of late.
After the team’s overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken, head coach Lindy Ruff bluntly said, “We’re not happy with the way we’re playing.”
The good news for the club is that good teams find ways to win, and that is exactly what fans have witnessed this season. At the unofficial halfway mark, the Devils have proven they are a legit team and have played themselves into the role of buyers ahead of the 2023 Trade Deadline.
Fitzgerald Will Look For Ways to Improve His Team
NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun spoke with Devils’ general manager Tom Fitzgerald about the upcoming trade deadline.
“My job is to improve the team. But my window is not one year,” Fitzgerald told The Athletic. “We’re a year ahead of where I think everyone thought we would be, but here we are. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to do my job and try to improve the club long-term” (from ‘LeBrun: Devils ‘willing to give to get at the trade deadline — for the right player’, The Athletic, 01/27/22).
For the first time, in a long time, the Devils will be returning from the All-Star Weekend preparing for a playoff appearance. It’s a new feeling for both the players and fans as the team owns the fourth-best record in the league. There are plenty of players who could complement the team’s core including Timo Meier, Sam Bennett, and Max Domi.
Spotted: Trade Deadline Updates
The trade deadline is March 3 and rumors have already begun to swirl. New Jersey will be a buyer and the franchise has already been attached to more than a few players. Here’s the latest information that fans need to know.
Fitzgerald Seen at Panthers-Bruins Game
During the break, Fitzgerald attended the Florida Panthers game on Jan. 28. With his son and cousin on the Panthers’ roster it could have been more pleasure than business, but if there is one thing I have learned working in sports media it is that you’re working 24/7.
Related: Devils GM Fitzgerald Could Have 3 Panthers as Trade Targets
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