3 candidates to replace Lindy Ruff as Devils coach

The first and most obvious candidate to take over New Jersey’s head coaching duties is the man they tabbed on an interim basis, Travis Green. Already with head coaching experience dating from his days with the Canucks, he racked up a record of 133-147-34 from 2017 to 2021. Vancouver reached the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoff Bubble before bowing out to the Vegas Golden Knights.

He was then terminated following a lackluster start to the 2021-22 season and replaced behind the bench by Bruce Boudreau.

Fitzgerald disclosed his intentions during New Jersey’s head coach search and confirmed that Green will be someone that he considers for the full-time job, via Tom Canavan of The Associated Press.

“Travis is well aware of my intentions,” Fitzgerald said Thursday. “I owe it to the organization to make sure I was following the coaching world with who I believe would be the perfect coach for this group moving forward for what’s available out there.”

Meanwhile, Green made it clear that he wants to retain the position.

“I want to be the head coach of the New Jersey Devils,” said Green. “It’s an exciting, exciting group and I think the future is bright.”

Devils coaching candidate No. 2: Gerard Gallant

A highly accomplished head coach, Gerard Gallant most recently served as the bench boss of the New York Rangers. However, he was relieved of his duties by general manager Chris Drury following last season’s Round 1 playoff loss.

Gallant’s tenure with the Rangers was notable, as he guided the team to an Eastern Conference Final appearance against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

Prior to his stint with the Rangers, Gallant achieved success with the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, leading them to the Stanley Cup Final in 2018. Despite his accomplishments, Gallant was unexpectedly terminated during the 2019-20 season, a decision that left many puzzled by management’s choice.

Gallant is now looking for his next opportunity in the NHL, via Morreale.

“I think people know (I’m available),” Gallant said earlier this year. “I’m only 60 years old. They know I want to coach again so if the opportunity comes up, I’d be happy to. We’ll see where it goes. I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m enjoying my time home with my family now.

“I get a chance to go to Florida a little bit and also see my grandkids, so I take a lot of good in what happened.”

He boasts a career NHL coaching record of 369-262-70 along with four ties.

Devils coaching candidate No. 3: Craig Berube

Considered to be one of the top coaching commodities available this offseason, Berube was terminated by the St. Louis Blues earlier this season after an uneven start to the year that saw them stumble to 6th place in their division. However, he’ll forever be known as the first head coach to lead the Blues to the Stanley Cup, a feat they accomplished in 2019.

Berube has previously served as coach of the Philadelphia Flyers and owns a total record of 281-190-72. He also made it clear that he has no intention of calling it a career, via Wayne Fish of Flying Fish Hockey.

“I’m going to wait for an NHL job and see what happens,” he said with regard to his future plans. “It doesn’t matter where. I’m sure I have a shot (for next season). It all boils down to talking to a team, talking to the GM, the ownership. If they believe in your message; if they like what you’re saying. In the interview process, if it’s a good fit for me and a good fit for them, probably something will get done.”