Devils Rumors: New Jersey Wants "To Land 1 Of 3 Big Fish" This Summer

General Manager Tom Fitzgerald of the New Jersey Devils is spearheading a mission to secure a top-tier goaltender this summer, aiming to elevate the team's performance between the pipes.

With a laser focus on landing one of three highly sought-after netminders – Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins, Jacob Markstrom of the Calgary Flames, or Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators – Fitzgerald has orchestrated calculated moves to position the Devils as serious contenders in the goaltending market.

What a save by Linus Ullmark on Mark Giordano. pic.twitter.com/57RTdBi56u

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) January 15, 2023

The recent shedding of Vitek Vanecek's contract underscores the team's commitment to entering the offseason with ample flexibility and resources, setting the stage for a potentially transformative acquisition.

Fitzgerald's pursuit of one of these "big fish" goaltenders reflects a clear vision to fortify the Devils' goaltending depth and solidify their defensive core.

Jacob Markstrom throwing his hat in the ring for save of the year! 😱 pic.twitter.com/D0znlANOQs

— NHL (@NHL) October 21, 2023

Each of the targeted goalies brings a unique skill set and potential to significantly enhance New Jersey's performance in the crease.

Ullmark, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, holds a .912 SV% and one shutout across 33 games played this season.

Markstrom is having a very nice bounceback season, posting a .910 SV% and two shutouts across 41 games played so far this season.

Meanwhile, Saros has continued to log a heavy workload, holding a .908 SV% and two shutouts across a league-leading 54 starts.

🤯 JUUSE SAROS 🤯

How did he save that?! pic.twitter.com/Rh0ZAeVaf3

— NHL (@NHL) December 30, 2023

With Ullmark, Markstrom, and Saros on their radar, the Devils are poised to make a splash in the offseason goalie market, leveraging their considerable resources to secure a formidable presence in goal.

The Devils had high expectations entering this year, however, it's been disappointing to say the least, with the team currently sitting six points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning for a Wild Card spot. Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports