March 5, 2024 | 12:15pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
DEVILS LISTENING ON TOFFOLI, HOPE TO SIGN HIM
Tyler Toffoli, right wing
New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald addressed the media Tuesday morning to address the team’s coaching change after firing Lindy Ruff on Monday. During that news conference, Fitzgerald also discussed a number of items related to the team, including the future of sniper Tyler Toffoli.
Toffoli is in the final year of his contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Fitzgerald has met with Toffoli and spoken to his agent about trying to re-sign him, but that hasn’t stopped teams from calling and inquiring about his availability.
“It’s a real question. It’s a dilemma,” Fitzgerald said, “because of where we believed we’re at, where we want to go. Messaging, as well, to the rest of the team. You trade your leading scorer, you’re throwing in the towel.”
Fitzgerald acknowledged that he would prefer to keep Toffoli and sign him to an extension, but the two sides seem to be having a difference of opinion on the term of his next deal. As a result, the Devils are listening.
“I’m not shopping Tyler Toffoli. Tyler and I sat together in LA, we had a great talk,” Fitzgerald revealed. “Tyler knows how much I'd like to bring him back. Unfortunately, right now, there’s a possible term difference. That doesn’t mean we can’t revisit this past the deadline if he’s still here or in the off-season. But the reality is, teams have called on him, and what a return looks like – I wouldn’t be giving away my leading scorer for future assets. The reality is those future assets could help us down the road. I’ll know more in the next three days.”
Several teams are believed to have interest in Toffoli, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche.