DitD & Open Post - 4/8/26: Eliminated Edition

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Apr 7, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) skates with the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images | Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images

Here are your links for today:

Devils Links​

And it’s official:

The New Jersey Devils have been eliminated from playoff contention for the 11th time in the last 14 seasons ‍️ pic.twitter.com/ulY097MVwb

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 8, 2026

HC Keefe on #NJDevils being eliminated from playoff contention:

"It’s difficult, it’s embarrassing, I don’t like it. I’ve coached for 20 years,this is the 1st time I won’t be participating in the playoffs at any level. It’s not fun (…) But we’ve earned this. It is what it is.”

— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 8, 2026

As we play out the string on this season, the Flyers took a 5-1 win over the Devils on Tuesday. The Flyers swept the season series with three wins over the Devils. [Devils NHL]

Of course, ICYMI: Tom Fitzgerald is out.

#BREAKING: New Jersey Devils Managing Partner David Blitzer announced today that Tom Fitzgerald will depart the organization.

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 6, 2026

“The Devils underachieved this season and have missed the playoffs in two of the last three years. You can blame injuries, but that should no longer be an excuse. It’s time for a fresh set of ideas, and this will likely be a highly coveted job among potential GM candidates. So, how did we get here? And what comes next?” [Devils on the Rush ($)]

What led to Tom Fitzgerald’s departure? [New Jersey Hockey Now]

“Whomever the team hires next will inherit a core built around Jack Hughes and captain Nico Hischier: an appealing starting point. Though the Devils are a disappointing 40-34-3, they have the talent to contend for a playoff spot right away. However, there’s still plenty to be done. Let’s dive into what the next general manager (or president of hockey operations, if the Devils opt for that management structure) must address early in their tenure.” [The Athletic ($)]

Well!

Does yesterday's news change how Nico Hischier views his looming contract negotiations?

"I'm focusing on playing hockey here and I still have one more year. So, I'm with the Devils right now and then we'll see what happens."#NJDevilshttps://t.co/TTRxvxbDN8

— Ryan Novozinsky (@ryannovoNHL) April 7, 2026

“There has long been a legitimate argument for keeping $9 million AAV defenseman Dougie Hamilton around past this season, but he has continued adding to his case over the course of 2025-26.” [Devils’ Advocates]

Hockey Links​

Oh this is great:

The Utah Mammoth unveil the “Zammoth”… and it might already be the greatest Zamboni of all time pic.twitter.com/JDaXpNE1DF

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 7, 2026

2002 → 2026

Built from the Zamboni used in the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games, our Zammoth is a reimagined piece of Utah history. pic.twitter.com/0CSm3QgRlV

— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) April 7, 2026

On Sunny Mehta, who is sure to be an attractive front office candidate during this cycle: [Sportsnet]

“The NHL is looking into the circumstances that led to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Pontus Holmberg hurting his left arm when he crashed shoulder-first into an unlatched penalty box door on Monday night.” [Associated Press]

An impressive season:

Sharks Macklin Celebrini

10th teenager in NHL history with a 40-goal season pic.twitter.com/MgVYacygZG

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 2, 2026

Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.

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