It's probably not the Christmas gift the DeBoer family was hoping for, but it's the one they got anyway.
The New Jersey Devils announced Friday, per Pierre LeBrun and Katie Strong of ESPN, that they had relieved DeBoer of his duties. The Devils are the second NHL team to fire DeBoer, who was let go by the Florida Panthers after the 2010-11 season.
New Jersey general manager Lou Lamoriello will not address the firing until after he has had an opportunity to speak with the players on Saturday morning.
There is no word yet on who could replace the deposed DeBoer.
In 3 ½ seasons with the Devils, the 46-year-old DeBoer amassed a 114-93-41 record. In his inaugural season with the franchise, the team made an improbable run to the Stanley Cup Finals, eventually losing in six games to the Los Angeles Kings.
Since, DeBoer and the Devils have struggled. They missed the playoffs entirely the last two seasons, and seem destined to do the same this year.
Currently 12-17-7 and losers of seven of their last eight games, New Jersey is nine points out of a playoff spot and sporting the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Under DeBoer, the Devils became known for their puck-possession numbers, annually finishing among the league's elite in Corsi - shots on goal + missed shots + blocked shots.
They finished third last season and second the year prior.
That, however, has not translated to Cup or even playoff wins for the franchise, and despite Lamoriello's strong public backing of his coach when rumors swirled of his potential demise after last season, DeBoer now finds himself back on the coaching unemployment line.
