Change is in the air for the New Jersey Devils, and head coach Sheldon Keefe finds himself at the heart of it. The organization was rocked this week when General Manager Tom Fitzgerald, the man who hired Keefe, announced his departure after over six years at the helm.

"It's not a good feeling to hear the news," Keefe admitted on Tuesday, a sentiment that resonates with any team facing a sudden leadership vacuum. With ownership now searching for a new front-office leader, Keefe's future is suddenly wrapped in uncertainty, a tough position for any coach to navigate mid-season.

Keefe has spoken with team ownership and understands he will be part of a broader evaluation once the season concludes. "I certainly hope to be a part of the solution here," he stated, acknowledging the difficult position the team is in. His focus remains on finishing strong, but the looming decisions about a new GM and the club's direction are an undeniable distraction.

The Devils' challenging season, which is likely to end without a playoff berth, adds another layer to this story. A significant factor was the extended absence of superstar Jack Hughes, who missed five weeks with a thumb injury. His return, fresh off scoring the golden goal for Team USA at the Olympics, sparked a noticeable turnaround, with the team posting a 12-7-1 record since.

Keefe points to this as evidence of the roster's potential, but also accepts his share of responsibility for not weathering the storm of injuries better. "How we're playing now and how we played for that period of time... are both part of the evaluation process and ultimately are my responsibility," he said. After guiding the Devils to the playoffs last year, Keefe now faces a critical evaluation under a new regime, making the final stretch of the season more crucial than ever.