The New Jersey Devils announced Thursday they have named Sunny Mehta as their new general manager, bringing back a familiar face who previously worked in the organization’s analytics department.
The 48-year-old executive spent the last four years with the Florida Panthers, serving as assistant general manager and head of analytics while helping the team capture back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
According to ESPN, Mehta will oversee all hockey operations for New Jersey. The organization plans to assess head coach Sheldon Keefe and his staff following the team’s failure to reach the playoffs in two of the past three seasons.
“This is a dream come true for a New Jersey kid, who grew up watching Devils’ practices just 20 minutes away in Totowa,” Mehta said. “New Jersey has a tremendous young core that will be looking to get back to being a contender, a complement of young assets and draft picks, and a passionate fan base hungry for success. I was fortunate enough to watch the New Jersey Devils raise three Stanley Cups and am excited to get to work to return to that level.”
A New Jersey native who played hockey in high school, Mehta had an unconventional path to hockey management, working as a musician, professional poker player and derivatives trader before joining the Devils’ front office from 2014 to 2018.
Mehta steps into the position vacated when the Devils fired Tom Fitzgerald earlier this month. The 57-year-old Fitzgerald is reportedly being considered for the general manager opening with the Nashville Predators.
The Devils boast a young roster featuring Olympic standout Jack Hughes, along with Jesper Bratt, Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes, Jack’s younger brother. A key decision looms regarding captain Nico Hischier, as the team faces a July 1 deadline to offer him a contract extension. Hischier has one season remaining on his seven-year, $50.75 million agreement. According to PuckPedia, New Jersey is projected to have $12.18 million in salary cap flexibility this summer.
