The new Jersey Devils coach, Lindy Ruff, is being arrested for allegedly abusing his wife and…
Tom Fitzgerald, the general manager of the New Jersey Devils, has confirmed that the seasoned bench boss will lead the team again the following season.
Fitzgerald stated on Wednesday that “I’ve always said that Lindy Ruff was the right coach for this group,” according to team reporter Amanda Stein. We are now in this position. He’s still the best coach for this team; he deserves it. We deserve him to be completely honest, and he deserves that.
Fitz continued, “Those kids adore him.”
According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Ruff is currently in the process of negotiating a new contract despite his current one expiring on June 30.
With a 52-22-8 record, the seasoned bench boss led the Devils to their first postseason trip since 2018. After making it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012, New Jersey’s first playoff series victory came in Round 1 against the rival New York Rangers. In Round 2, they were defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.
For his efforts, Ruff was selected as one of three finalists for the Jack Adams Award, which is given to the coach of the year. He had previously won the award with the Buffalo Sabres in 2006.
With the Devils, the sixty-three-year-old has a record of 98-98-24 after three seasons. With 834 career victories, he is ranked fifth on the NHL’s all-time coaching wins list.
Fitzgerald’s first task will be to get Ruff to sign a new contract. Among the many things he has to manage this offseason are new contracts for restricted free-agent forward Jesper Bratt and valuable trade deadline acquisition Timo Meier.
Fitzgerald is hopeful that a deal with Bratt can be reached.
Regarding Bratt, Fitzgerald stated, “I think it was the right thing to do to pause the talks prior to the playoffs.” “There is unquestionably progress. If Jesper desires a long-term agreement, there is a structure for it. Jesper is fully aware of the appearance of that framework. I am aware that Jesper and I both aspire to be Devils in the long run.
Meier’s agent has already been contacted by the GM regarding an extension.
Fitzgerald remarked, “Meier is aware that I think this is the best place for Timo.” “I’ll talk to him, his agent, and myself about this and hopefully work out a long-term solution.”
