{"id":79766,"date":"2020-07-09T12:22:28","date_gmt":"2020-07-09T16:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=79766"},"modified":"2020-07-09T12:34:21","modified_gmt":"2020-07-09T16:34:21","slug":"new-jersey-devils-name-lindy-ruff-as-head-coach-tom-fitzgerald-as-gm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2020\/07\/09\/new-jersey-devils-name-lindy-ruff-as-head-coach-tom-fitzgerald-as-gm\/","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Devils Name Lindy Ruff As Head Coach And Tom Fitzgerald As GM"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/devils\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New Jersey Devils<\/a> announced they have hired <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/ruffli01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Lindy Ruf<\/strong>f<\/a> as their new head coach. In addition, removed the interim tag from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/fitzgto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tom Fitzgerald<\/a> <\/strong>promoting him to the full-time general manager as well as the Executive Vice President.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">**Breaking News**<br \/>\nAs per what I\u2019m told ; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NJDevils?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NJDevils<\/a> to name Lindy Ruff as their new Head Coach. Also expected to remove the interim tag from GM Tom Fitzgerald.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NHL<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NHLNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@NHLNetwork<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KevinWeekes\/status\/1280990513525596161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 8, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Devils Name Lindy Ruff As Head Coach<\/h2>\n<p>There were several candidates the Devils interviewed for the position including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gallage01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gerard Gallant<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/laviope01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Peter Laviolette<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stevejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Stevens<\/a>, and former interim head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nasreal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alain Nasreddine<\/a>. However, it was Ruff that got the position replacing Nasreddine as the coach. Ruff is currently the assistant coach of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/rangers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New York Rangers<\/a> and the former head coach of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/sabres\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a>\u00a0(1997-2013) and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/stars\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dallas Stars<\/a> (2013-2017). Ruff has coached in 1,493 games with a record of 736-554-78-125. He also has a postseason record of 66-54 a winning percentage of .550.<\/p>\n<p>Ruff brings style the Devils desperately need. New Jersey has talked about being a fast-paced hockey team, yet they have come up short in that category especially after their trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2018. The Devils near the bottom of the league in goal differential as well as goals for. They need to clean that area up. While he may not be the sexy pick amongst Devils fans, he knows how to get teams to the playoffs. Something the Devils have done only twice since 2010.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, Ruff has the ability to coach players with high offensive talent. Just look at what he did with players like\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/drurych01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Drury<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brierda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Daniel Briere<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/seguity01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Seguin<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bennja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamie Benn<\/a><\/strong>, and others. Ruff turned them into solid players and let their offensive ability shine. Under Ruff, Benn won the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rossar01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Art Ross<\/a>\u00a0Trophy in 2015. Who knows he could turn\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hischni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nico Hischier<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=hugheja02,hugheja03&amp;search=Jack+Hughes&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Hughes<\/a><\/strong> into the players they can be. There is something about having a proven NHL head coach behind the bench. Ruff also brought the Sabres to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999 losing to the Stars in six games.<\/p>\n<h3>Tom Fitzgerald Named General Manager<\/h3>\n<p>When the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/2020\/01\/12\/new-jersey-devils-fired-general-manager-ray-shero\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devils removed Ray Shero back in January<\/a> as the general manager of the Devils, the team slapped the interim tag on Tom Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald was thrown into a difficult position having worked with Shero for a long time. However, Fitzgerald performed admirably and earned the position for his work done at the trade deadline. Fitzgerald was able to get value for players like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/greenan01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andy Greene<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/colembl01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Blake Coleman<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vatansa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sami Vatanen<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/simmowa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wayne Simmonds<\/a><\/strong>. Not to mention his best decision was not to trade leading scorer <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/palmiky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle Palmieri<\/a><\/strong>. Fitzgerald knew the Devils needed scoring and why trade away something the team is lacking.<\/p>\n<p>Ever since Fitzgerald arrived in New Jersey, he brought something to the hockey operations department that was missing. It appears that Fitzgerald is on the same wavelength as ownerships and proved to them he can get the job done. In addition, Fitzgerald can fulfill <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/2020\/01\/17\/aftermath-of-ray-shero-firing\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ownership&#8217;s vision whatever that is<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>What It All Means<\/h3>\n<p>The Devils need to get these hires right as the organization cannot go through this same process a couple of years of now. New Jersey was known for having stability within the organization. Now there has been so much turnover they have become the Cleveland Browns of the NHL. That is due to a lack of vision. With everything now in place, it is now time for the Devils to take the next step in the process as they look to get back to being a contending team in the NHL. With Fitzgerald at the helm, the Devils can focus on the NHL Draft whenever that is, as they potentially have three first-round draft picks to add to this young team.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo:<br \/>\n<a id=\"iLMC1_BwQvdnr_H4T00OLg\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/629222404\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'iLMC1_BwQvdnr_H4T00OLg',sig:'UdjgoG1OAkU0ZLKXqTqH2vw3w75ecHCUu1bb7THhc1g=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'629222404',caption: true ,tld:'ca',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The New Jersey Devils announced they have hired Lindy Ruff as their new head coach. In addition, removed the interim tag from Tom Fitzgerald promoting him to the full-time general manager as well as the Executive Vice President. **Breaking News** As per what I\u2019m told ; @NJDevils to name Lindy Ruff as their new Head [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3130,"featured_media":79768,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4547,13,34,4548],"tags":[4542,939,1384,1136,151,1547,4332],"class_list":["post-79766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hockey","category-devils","category-news","category-nhl","tag-alain-nasreddine","tag-gerard-gallant","tag-john-stevens","tag-lindy-ruff","tag-new-jersey-devils","tag-peter-laviolette","tag-tom-fitzgerald"],"modified_by":"Jim Biringer","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79766","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3130"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79766"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79766\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79768"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79766"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79766"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79766"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}