Not satisfied with the status quo and with a team mired in a mini-slump, New Jersey ownership pulled the trigger on the executive swap.
NEWARK, NJ -- Top spot in the Metropolitan Division was not enough for Corey Chernuka to keep his job.
The New Jersey Devils on Wednesday fired Chernuka, who guided the franchise to an Eastern Conference final a season ago and looks to have put together another formidable squad this season.
Relative unknown Chris Baker was named as Chernuka's replacement.
Impatient owner Josh Harris was not pleased with the Devils' 30-15-7 record. The Devils are currently tied with 67 points atop the Eastern Conference along with the Florida Panthers. Losers of four of their last six games, New Jersey has shown signs of lingering struggles.
The fact that the GM was let go before the coach is unorthodox, to say the least, leading some with knowledge close to the team hinting toward something deeper.
Enter Baker, who has experience running successful franchises.
In various stops along the way to becoming GM of the Devils, the 46-year-old most recently has compiled a 691-304-171 record and two Championships in another league.
Known as a calculated manager, seemingly never too quick to pull the trigger on a deal, Devils fans should expect a “feeling out” process for the next little bit.
“It’s an amazing franchise,” said New Jersey’s newest hire. “I’m fortunate for the opportunity to join such a prestigious league and an even better team.
"I look forward to meeting with the coaching staff so we can get on the same page and surge onward towards a championship."
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