In this special press conference audio, New Jersey Devils President and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald addresses the media following the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
Fitz explains why it was a quiet deadline across the league, citing new CBA rules and the elimination of double salary retention. He also shuts down rumors about shopping Dougie Hamilton and shares his offseason priorities, including a potential contract extension for Simon Nemec and bringing Arseni Gritsyuk over.
Plus, Fitz provides an injury update on Brett Pesce and gets emotional talking about Jack Hughes’ incredible performance and golden goal for Team USA at the Milan Olympics.
Contents:
– Why the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline was so quiet.
– The impact of new CBA rules and the end of double retention.
– Shutting down the Dougie Hamilton trade rumors.
– Contract extension talks for Simon Nemec.
– The long-term plan for Arseny Gritsyuk.
– Brett Pesce injury update: Week-to-week.
– Fitzgerald on Jack Hughes’ maturity and Olympic golden goal.
Speaker: Tom Fitzgerald
4 Comments
First COMENT!!
Thsi time we didn’t come second we DNS
This coming offseason, the Devils will trade Dougie Hamilton, Dawson Mercer, Shane LaChance, Topias Vilen, and 2026 and 2027 1st-rounders to the Senators for Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle, trade Jake Allen, Lenni Hameenaho, Josh Filmon, Ethan Edwards, and a 2026 2nd-rounder to the Maple Leafs for Anthony Stolarz and a 2027 3rd-rounder, trade Stefan Noesen, Brett Pesce, Seamus Casey, Jakub Malek, a 2026 5th-rounder, and a 2027 conditional 7th-rounder to the Panthers for Matthew Tkachuk and Sandis Vilmanis, trade Jacob Markstrom, Jonas Siegenthaler, David Rozsival, Daniil Karpovich, and a 2027 4th-rounder to the Bruins for Jeremy Swayman and a 2027 6th-rounder, and sign Quinn Hughes to a 7-year contract worth $84 million.
Nemec will not be on this team next year. Fitz comments – He is a Devil until he is not , will see if he likes it here in NJ and what he wants and see going forward. Note vote of confidence there, he will be traded.