In a move that has stirred up excitement among New Jersey Devils fans, the team has officially brought on Chuck Fletcher as an advisor to Tom Fitzgerald, the president of hockey operations and general manager. The announcement came on a Thursday, sending shockwaves through the hockey world.
Fletcher, who most recently held the position of general manager for the Philadelphia Flyers from 2018 to 2023, comes with an impressive resume. During his time with the Flyers, the team achieved a record of 141-145-43 under his leadership, including a lone playoff appearance in 2020. His experience in the league is sure to bring valuable insights and knowledge to the Devils organization.
Prior to his stint with the Flyers, Fletcher served as the general manager of the Minnesota Wild for an impressive nine seasons from 2009-2018. Under his guidance, the Wild made six consecutive playoff appearances, showcasing his ability to build competitive teams.
Interestingly, both Fletcher and Fitzgerald have a history of working together, having both served as assistant general managers with the Pittsburgh Penguins under the leadership of Ray Shero from 2006-09. This existing rapport between the two hockey minds bodes well for the future of the Devils.
But the exciting news doesn’t stop there. The Devils have also made additional key additions to their staff, including former goaltender Manny Legace as head goaltending scout and development coach. Legace, a veteran of 11 NHL seasons, brings a wealth of experience to his new role after serving as the goaltending coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets for five seasons.
In another savvy move, the Devils have brought on former defenseman Andy Greene as an advisor for hockey operations. Greene, who played an impressive 16 NHL seasons, including 14 with the Devils, will bring a unique perspective to the organization. His tenure with the Devils saw him record 52 goals and 264 points in over 1,000 games, showcasing his leadership on and off the ice.
As the 11th captain in Devils history, Greene’s impact on the team is undeniable. His new role as an advisor to Fitzgerald will see him working closely with the scouting and player personnel departments, coaching staff, and pro and amateur scouting staff. His wealth of knowledge will undoubtedly prove invaluable as the Devils look to build a competitive roster for the seasons ahead.
With these new additions to the Devils organization, fans can expect an exciting future ahead. The pairing of Fletcher and Fitzgerald, along with the expertise of Legace and Greene, sets the stage for a successful era in New Jersey hockey. Stay tuned as the Devils continue to make waves in the NHL landscape.