The New Jersey Devils have appointed Sunny Mehta as their new general manager, welcoming back a former team executive who most recently worked with the Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers.
Team owner David Blitzer made the announcement Thursday evening, just two days following the conclusion of the Devils’ disappointing regular season that failed to secure a playoff berth. Mehta served as an assistant with Florida during their back-to-back championship victories over the last two seasons.
“We quickly realized this job was in high demand and were incredibly fortunate to meet with many qualified candidates,” Blitzer said. “Sunny’s familiarity with our organization and experience with a two-time Stanley Cup-winning team are characteristics that will serve as a foundation for future success. Our expectations are to be a perennial playoff team and compete for the Stanley Cup, and I look forward to Sunny leading us there.”
The 48-year-old Mehta previously created the NHL’s inaugural comprehensive analytics division during his initial tenure with New Jersey from 2014 through 2018. Following his departure from the Devils, he worked briefly with Washington before joining the Panthers organization.
A native of Wyckoff, New Jersey, Mehta grew up supporting the Devils and brings an unconventional background to hockey management, having worked as both a professional poker player and in the financial sector before entering the sport.
“I knew this was the place I wanted to be,” Mehta said, thanking the Panthers for the chance to take the next step in his career. “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.”
The Devils dismissed longtime general manager Tom Fitzgerald during the latter part of the season. The organization has yet to determine the status of head coach Sheldon Keefe moving forward.
