THREE THINGS: Fitzgerald's Journey

It has been an incredible journey for New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald to get to this point in his life. From starting as a college player with the Providence Friars to being drafted in the first round in 1986, he has spent his life in the world of hockey. From player to coach to broadcaster to managerial roles, Fitzgerald has done and seen just about it all when it comes to hockey.
Here are Three Things on Tom Fitzgerald, presented by Wawa.

1. 1097 GP

There have been just 348 players in NHL history to have played at least 1,000 regular season games, and Tom Fitzgerald is one of them. His playing career lasted a span of 17 seasons, making his NHL debut during the 1988-89 season with the New York Islanders when he suited up for 23 games. He played his final game in 2006, closing out his career with his hometown Boston Bruins, his seventh NHL team. Fitzgerald played with the Islanders, Panthers, Predators and Maple Leafs, as well as 11 games with the Colorado Avalanche and 15 games with the Chicago Blackhawks after in-season trades.
A player with such longevity has seen just about everything in the world of hockey, playing in both expansion, Original Six and Canadian cities. The fact that Fitzgerald played a third/fourth line role through his career just speaks to the kind of value a player in that role had on whatever team he was playing for. Not every player, evidently, has the luxury and success of over 1000 NHL games. It's incredible experience that helps guide Fitzgerald in his management positions and gives him the unique perspective on his players while sitting in a management role.

2. LEADER AT ALL LEVELS

Fitzgerald now sits firmly at the head of the New Jersey Devils boat, ready to guide it into a new direction of long-term success. Fitzgerald is no stranger to being a leader, he has worn letter's on his jersey as a player, most notably as the first captain in Nashville Predators history.
"Tom's leadership skills on and off the ice will play a key part in setting the tone and message during our inaugural season," Predators general manager David Poile said at the time. "His past experience with Florida's expansion team combined with his on-ice performance and dedication make him the ideal individual to serve as the Predators' first captain."
Fitzgerald spent 307 games with the Predators over four seasons between 1998-2002.
It's a culmination of all those unique experiences leading an NHL team on the ice that Fitzgerald has brought to every level of management he's had a chance to be a part of. And no doubt, one he will bring to his current role as General Manager of the New Jersey Devils

3. EARNING EVERY OPPORTUNITY

When Tom Fitzgerald had the 'interim' tag removed and became the official General Manager of the New Jersey Devils it was
"It was evident that Tom was the right person for this job," co-owner David Blitzer said in June. "We're very excited to remove that interim tag."
The journey into a management role began after a short stint as a hockey analyst forthe New England Sports Network, right after his retirement. In the summer of 2007, Fitzgerald shifted into an NHL front office role, hired as the Director of Player Development for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He served in that role for two seasons before taking a promotion with the club becoming Assistant General Manager of the Penguins. On two occasions he also served behind NHL benches as an assistant coach.
It was a path Fitzgerald wasn't sure he'd ever take, not thinking much past his playing days while he was a player. But he worked eventually work his way up the ladder to the ultimate management role as an NHL General Manager, taking every opportunity thrown in his path.

AND ONE MORE THING...

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