The New Jersey Devils, once a rebuilding team, have transformed into contenders with championship aspirations.
They have a young and talented core of players locked up for years to come. However, this season has been a major disappointment.
The team’s general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, deserves criticism. While he made smart trades and secured key signings like Jonas Siegenthaler, John Marino, Dougie Hamilton, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt, there have been mistakes and lack of moves that hindered the team’s progress.
The Devils GM with some thoughts on what should be happening with the Devils younger players 👀
(via @daniel_amoia) pic.twitter.com/AbwHvdrVC5
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 5, 2024
The most glaring mistake was neglecting the goaltending positions.
Despite rumored pursuits of Connor Hellebuyck, Jacob Markström, Juuse Saros, John Gibson, Elvis Merzlikins, and Jake Allen, no trades were made, and the Devils are now relying on Nico Daws, Akira Schmid, and Vitek Vanecek.
The goaltending has been a mess and one of the main reasons for the team’s struggles this season.
The New Jersey Devils have made several mistakes that have contributed to their slow start in games.
One major issue is the lack of experienced defensemen on the blue line. With three defensemen under the age of 24, including two rookies, the team has struggled defensively.
Despite the potential shown by Luke Hughes and Šimon Nemec, the absence of shutdown defensemen has impacted the team’s performance.
Furthermore, the decision to retain Lindy Ruff as head coach has been heavily criticized. Fans and others have questioned the hire since 2020, and the team’s regression only adds to the skepticism.
Ruff’s constant lineup changes and failure to make adjustments to the power play have frustrated supporters.
The dissatisfaction with Ruff has reached a point where fans are chanting “Fi-re Lindy” during games.
It seems evident that Ruff’s time in New Jersey is coming to an end, especially if the team does not perform well on their upcoming West Coast Road trip.
The Devils have offensive talent that is not being utilized effectively.
While blame also falls on the players, General Manager Fitzgerald must take accountability for not making necessary changes to improve the team.
It is imperative that he takes action to ignite a turnaround, or else the chants for change may shift towards him.
Fans reacted as follows.
New coach immediately scratches Nemec 😂😂
— OG (@OG389) March 5, 2024
It’s trading them
— Noah Schwartz (@nfitnessfitin30) March 5, 2024
This organization is not serious they are a complete joke and an embarrassment
— Carl Wagner (@wagz35) March 5, 2024
Actually yes thts exactly what you do. If they keep turning the puck over.
— Glen (@runnerguy2345) March 5, 2024
New coach immediately mistakes Nemec for L. Hughes and puts Holtz on 4th line, basically "sitting his ass on the bench"
— Pascal (@Roach22pr) March 5, 2024
And it’s also not firing a coach because you can’t provide a goaltender who can make saves.
— Austins Matthew (@TradeRelatedRsn) March 5, 2024
