Ray Shero is out as New Jersey Devils' general manager

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Ray Shero is out as the New Jersey Devils' general manager.

Owner Josh Harris announced the change less than 90 minutes before the struggling Devils were to face the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Prudential Center on Sunday. The owner said the move was effective immediately.

The change comes a little more than a month after Shero fired head coach John Hynes in the wake of a horrible start to the season. Shero was the GM since 2015-16.

Harris said assistant general manager Tom Fitzgerald would handle Shero's duties with the help of goaltending great Martin Brodeur.

'œRay is a talented hockey executive and I am confident he will have great success in the future," Harris said. 'œHowever, Ray and I are in agreement that the Devils need to move in a new direction and that this change is in the best interest of the team.

Harris said the Devils, who are next to last in the Eastern Conference standings, would launch a search for a new general manager. The team has made the playoffs once since going to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012.

'œOur organization remains deeply committed to creating a sustainably winning franchise," Harris said. 'œOur fans deserve nothing but the best hockey. We thank them for their continued support as we work toward our goals.'ť