New Jersey Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald kicked off the offseason with proactive moves, even before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline signaled an early end to their playoff hopes. While Fitzgerald never openly conceded the team’s postseason chances, his actions spoke volumes. These included trading top goal scorer Tyler Toffoli and overhauling the goaltending by acquiring Jake Allen, setting the stage for a strategic offseason plan. By March, Fitzgerald had already expressed interest in making a move for free agent Brenden Dillon.
Dillon, speaking on Sportsnet’s The Hockey PDOcast, shed light on his free agency experience, revealing significant interest from multiple teams due to his reputation as a physical defenseman. He reflected on his decision-making process, weighing factors like his potential value to teams and personal considerations such as geography, especially after spending the majority of his career in the Western Conference.
Having been part of a formidable Winnipeg Jets squad in the 2023-24 season, Dillon acknowledged the Jets’ ambitions as playoff contenders, though they ultimately fell short in the first round. Despite Winnipeg’s intentions to retain their pending unrestricted free agents, Dillon confirmed that Fitzgerald had explored a potential trade for him before settling on a different course.
Ultimately, Fitzgerald secured Dillon’s services with a three-year contract, a move that Dillon found attractive due to the promising additions to the Devils’ roster, including Brett Pesce and other notable talents. This reinforced Dillon’s belief that he could contribute to something special in New Jersey.
Criticism had mounted against Fitzgerald during the Devils’ disappointing 2023-24 campaign following a successful previous season. However, his patient approach and strategic roster restructuring have quickly reshaped perceptions of the team as playoff contenders once more. Fitzgerald’s foresight in identifying team deficiencies early on, even before the trade deadline, underscores his proactive management style.
While a potential Devils trade for Dillon didn’t materialize months ago, Fitzgerald’s ability to secure Dillon in free agency, alongside other impactful signings, has been widely regarded as astute business. This summer’s moves by the Devils’ GM have not only bolstered the team’s roster but also reinforced their competitiveness heading into the upcoming season.
