Devils hire Sunny Mehta as GM

Mehta takes over less than two weeks after the Devils’ previous GM, Tom Fitzgerald, left the franchise prior to the end of the 2025-26 season. It comes after New Jersey had a lackluster performance this year, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time in three years.

While he was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Mehta grew up in Totowa, N.J., making the hiring “a dream come true.”

“After meeting with David Blitzer, Josh Harris, Bob Myers, and other members of the organization, I knew this was the place I wanted to be,” Mehta said in a release. “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.”

The 48-year-old returns to the Garden State after spending the past six seasons with the Florida Panthers, working under GM Bill Zito. He joined the franchise in 2020 as vice president of hockey strategy & intelligence. Two years later, he was promoted to assistant GM, helping formulate a roster that went on to win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

“Thank you to Vinnie Viola, Bill Zito and the entire Florida Panthers organization for a fantastic six years and for the opportunity to take the next step in my professional career.”

This isn’t the first time Mehta, a former professional poker player, has worked with the Devils. From 2014 to 2018, he was the director of hockey analytics, building the NHL’s first full-time analytics department. He also worked for the Washington Capitals and Phoenix Coyotes as a consultant as well. 

Mehta’s name was also connected to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were among the teams granted permission to meet with Mehta. The Leafs are still seeking a GM after letting go of Brad Treliving.