Steve Pellegrini, the Devils' vice-president of hockey operations who handles contract matters, will remain. Fitzgerald will assist Pellegrini on contracts, oversee prospects, periodically watch the farm team in Albany, be involved in decisions regarding the coaching staff, trades, free agency and college free agents. He'll be a sounding board for Shero.
"I truly believe I'm an information gatherer. That's my job," Fitzgerald said. "I get all the information I can get so Ray Shero can make choices. "Personnel, prospects, do we sign this guy? The value on a guy for a trade. I'm here to help him carry out his vision."
Fitzgerald will work out of his home in Massachusetts, driving to Albany, N.Y., and to Newark when Shero feels it is beneficial.
"My family is going to stay in Boston because of the age of my boys. My two older sons (Ryan and Casey) are at Boston College. I have a sophomore in high school and a 12-year-old in junior high," Fitzgerald said.
"My responsibilities are watching players, watching prospects in Albany, coming here and watching our team play. Keeping in touch with agents and helping Steve out."