The New Jersey Devils made a coaching announcement on Wednesday, but it wasn’t the move fans were hoping for.
It seems that New Jersey Devils fans have been waiting for an update on their Twitter timeline, or notification on their phones, regarding the coaching staff.
They got one on Wednesday morning.
Yet, it probably wasn’t the update they expected.
After TSN reported that Hynes’s job as the team’s head coach was safe at the moment, the Devils then announced on Wednesday morning that assistant general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, joined the coaching staff as an assistant.
Let’s be honest, no one saw this coming. However, the fans still took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1184485552093048832
— Bryan (@ThatGuyBry31) October 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/iancmclaren/status/1184486009276391424
We want a new coach, not the assistant principal coming downstairs to keep an eye on the piss poor teacher
— Jeff Rothman ??⚾️ (@amazingjr87) October 16, 2019
Step in the right direction. The fact that Boqvist is still the extra skater is baffling to me though.
— Craig Dietel (@CraigyD127) October 16, 2019
Delaying the inevitable, I see. Just rip off the bandaid and #FireHynes already!
— #FireRuff (@nma814) October 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/northamsoul7/status/1184485771694215174
Can't complain. At least the organization is acknowledging that there's an issue.
All I can say is thanks!
— Matt (@BanditoCupcake) October 16, 2019
Isn't that the guy who gave him the extension? This is like having CNN moderating the Dem debates
— Dan (@NJdan4) October 16, 2019
— Ken Schott #ThePartingSchottsPodcast (@slapschotts) October 16, 2019
Most reactions were sarcastic and negative towards the move and non-move, and very few were supportive.
The move is interesting and leaves everyone hanging with “what’s next,” while some fans seem to think that Fitzgerald will be the next coach as he “babysits” the bench and its players, for now.
Though, Jersey wasted no time and took to social with its players to address some more positive feedback on the current situation.
https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1184509673032093697
https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1184513508110721025
The Devils official team reporter, Amanda Stein, also addressed an interesting point after the team’s practice on the decision to add Fitzgerald into the coaching fold.
The decision to bring Tom Fitzgerald into the coaching fold was #NJDevils John Hynes suggestion.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) October 16, 2019
Again, a majority of the fan’s reactions were not necessarily positive ones in the sense that they don’t buy into the fact that it was “Hynes’ suggestion.”
Still, it very well could have been his suggestion – considering the two have been colleagues from day one since joining Jersey back in 2015.
https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1184532405039894529
Going back to the idea that Fitzgerald would take over as coach; does he have a history in coaching?
The former New York Islanders forward has never officially been named as a head coach or assistant coach at the NHL level, but his roles prior to joining the Devils were front office roles with the Pittsburgh Penguins (director of player development; 2007-09 & assistant general manager; 2009-14).
#NJDevils Tom Fitzgerald has no worries about balancing his AGM and GM duties with Binghamton through this stint on the coaching staff.
Says he’ll drive tonight to watch Binghamton play, return back after the game and be ready for tomorrow vs the Rangers.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) October 16, 2019
There’s no doubting that Fitzgerald has a great understanding of the game and accessing talent – fans just have to wonder if he’s an NHL coach or a future general manager at this point in time.
Keep in mind that Fitzgerald was a final candidate for the vacant Minnesota Wild general manager position during the 2018 offseason.
https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1184542923305766922
Either way, something is bound to change after making a decision such as this one. Stein also hinted that former Devil great, Patrik Elias, could be spending more time with the team moving forward.
#NJDevils had arranged with Patrik Elias this summer to have him come in several times this season to spend time with the team.
He was here during training camp and returns on the 19th of October.
Expect to see him around.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) October 16, 2019
If the Devils were to win on Thursday night when they host the New York Rangers (7 p.m. ET, MSG) – will the fans start cheering his name loudly at the Prudential Center?
