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Tom Fitzgerald ’86

As General Manager and President of Hockey Operations for the New Jersey Devils, Tom Fitzgerald has built one of the NHL’s most promising young teams and led them to their best season in franchise history.

Tom Fitzgerald ’86

From Player to Front-Office Leader

Tom Fitzgerald has built a remarkable career in professional hockey, first as a standout NHL player and later as one of the league’s top executives. A 1986 graduate of Austin Prep, Fitzgerald helped lead the Cougars to the MIAA Division II state hockey championship and served as team captain, experiences that laid the foundation for his leadership style and commitment to teamwork.

When asked how Austin Prep helped shape his future, Fitzgerald shared that the strongest impact came from the friendships he formed. “I would say the biggest thing that Austin gave me was the lifelong friendships I made in my 4 years at AP. I was lucky to head to Austin with some close Billerica kids, but it was the friends from the other towns that came together and created such strong and lasting bonds. Friends that were in each other’s weddings, vacation together and still get together at least once a year. I try and host this group of friends at a Devils game each year.”

Over 17 seasons in the NHL, Fitzgerald became known for his leadership and work ethic, serving as the first captain of the expansion Nashville Predators and helping the Florida Panthers reach the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals.

Championing Success Beyond the Ice

Following his retirement as a player, Fitzgerald joined the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, where he contributed to the team’s 2009 Stanley Cup Championship as part of the front office and coaching staff. His sharp hockey instincts and talent for player development soon led to front office positions with the New Jersey Devils, where he rose quickly through the ranks.

Reflecting on his time at Austin Prep, Fitzgerald also points to one unforgettable moment. “Of course, my favorite memory was winning the 86 State Championship! It didn’t matter that we were dropped to Div 2 that year, WE were by far the best high school hockey team in the entire state.”

Leading a New Era in New Jersey

Appointed General Manager and President of Hockey Operations in 2020, Fitzgerald has led a dramatic rebuild of the Devils, assembling one of the youngest and most talented rosters in the NHL. Under his leadership, the team achieved its best season in franchise history in 2023, signaling a bright future for the organization.

A proud member of the Austin Prep Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2012, Fitzgerald continues to exemplify leadership, perseverance, and a lifelong passion for hockey on and off the ice.

Be Featured in Alumni Spotlight

We love to highlight Austin Prep alumni who have built meaningful careers and made a difference in their fields and communities. If you or someone you know has a story worth sharing, we’d love to feature it in our Alumni Spotlight series.

To be considered for a future feature, please contact Director of Alumni Engagement and Giving, Darren Stewart at darren.stewart@austinprep.org or 781.944.4900 x4862.