During today’s exit interviews, New Jersey Devils’ GM Tom Fitzgerald gave a blunt assessment on the team’s future roster, noting that changes are needed as the team isn’t good enough as currently constructed, per team reporter Amanda Stein.
As Fitzgerald told reporters: “It simply wasn’t good enough. I believe in the core of this team, but it’s my responsibility to keep improving it. We’ve got a lot of tough choices ahead, whether that means re-signing players, making trades, or moving on from certain guys.”
Several New Jersey players are set for free agency, including Tomas Tatar, Nathan Bastian, Curtis Lazar, Daniel Sprong, Jake Allen and Brian Dumoulin. Additionally, several players are set for restricted free agency, including defender Luke Hughes, 21, who is set for a massive raise on his current $925,000 contract. Hughes was sidelined during the playoffs due to a shoulder injury and has since undergone surgery to address the issue. According to Fitzgerald, Hughes is expected to be ready in time for training camp.
Elsewhere in the Metro:
- Fitzgerald also shared that the team believes Jack Hughes, Luke’s brother, has moved past his own shoulder issues following surgery, per Stein. However, Fitzgerald added that the star forward does have a lot of work ahead of him this summer to get back into game shape. He successfully underwent shoulder surgery in early March and was placed on the team’s long-term injured reserve. The Devils noted at the time of his surgery that he was expected to fully recover and be ready for training camp, so Fitzgerald’s announcement today confirms the team’s original timeline.
- Forward Fredrik Karlstrom, most recently with the New York Islanders organization, has signed a four-year deal with Linköping HC of the Swedish Hockey League, per Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey. Karlstrom is set to return to his home country after underwhelming in North America since being drafted in the third round by the Dallas Stars in the 2016 draft. He remained in Sweden until 2021-22 season, when he played in three games for the Stars and 65 games for their AHL-affiliate. He spent three seasons playing in the Stars’ organization but mostly suited up in the AHL. All told, he appeared in just eight NHL contests, posting just a single assist. Karlstrom did have his best AHL season last season, posting 21 goals and 44 points in 72 games for the Texas Stars. However, it wasn’t enough for the organization to retain his services, and he signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Islanders last July. He appeared in 30 games for the Isles’ AHL-affiliate, posting just 13 points and a minus-nine rating.