Devils GM Really Happy With One Trade He Made

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Matt Garland
May 21, 2023 (7:15 PM)

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The New Jersey Devils had their season end last week thanks to a 3-2 overtime loss in Game 5 of their second round series against the Carolina Hurricanes.

A season that started very rough for the Devils. In early November during home games, Devils fans would chant «Fire Lindy» directed at veteran head coach Lindy Ruff. New Jersey would go on a nine game win streak and fans changed their tune to «Sorry Lindy» as supporters acknowledged their mistake.

The Devils would keep the momentum going for the rest of the season to finish with an impressive 52-22-8 record.

New Jersey met with the media for their end of season press availability. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald confirmed that Lindy would be returning.

"He'll be back behind the bench,"

Fitzgerald said.

"Four years ago, or whenever it was, I was looking for the right coach for this organization, on where we were and how to get to where we want to go and watch the development of our players, our core players, and how they have grown," he said. "As we went along, we always said Lindy Ruff was the right coach for this group. Here we are today and he's still the right coach for this group."

Fitzgerald was very happy with the play of forward Erik Haula who the general manager acquired in a trade with the Boston Bruins for Pavel Zacha last offseason.

Fitzgerald expressed that he would make the trade for Haula again without hesitation and is very interested in working out an extension with the forward.

«He was and he is the player type that we needed to help us continue to move the ship forward.»

«He wasn't hiding how much he wants to come back. I told him that his agent and I will sit down and talk."

The 32 year old has been bouncing around the league the last few seasons, never being able to stay with a team longer than one season. In 80 games Haula scored 14 goals and 41 points while averaging 16:37 in ice time.

The Finland native had a cap hit of $2,375,000 this season and should be looking for a similar number on his next deal.

POLL
MAI 21 \| 4 ANSWERS Devils GM Really Happy With One Trade He Made Do you think Erik Haula will be back with New Jersey?
Yes, seems like both parties want to work it out	3	75 %
No, can be replaced for a cheaper option	1	25 %
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