Breaking: New Jersey Devils Sign Top GM Candidate

It was only 10 days ago that the New Jersey Devils fired president of hockey operations and general manager Tom Fitzgerald. On Thursday evening, two days after the conclusion of their season, they announced a new GM: Florida Panthers assistant GM & Head of Analytics Sunny Mehta.

Nothing but blue skies and Sunny days ahead.

Jersey, we brought Sunny home.

📰: https://t.co/wpT2ELjjhg pic.twitter.com/OqtxOnMgNL
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 16, 2026

It's a homecoming for the 48-year-old Mehta, who was New Jersey's Director of Analytics from 2014-2018. He brought that data-centric focus to the Florida Panthers, who utilized his knowledge to help win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice recently said of Mehta, "Fantastic with analytics & his ability to articulate it to coaches."

The Toronto Maple Leafs were thought to be a frontrunner for Mehta as well, as their CEO made it known that they were focused on a 'data-centric' candidate. But while the Leafs continue an extensive process involving a large number of names, the Devils have pounced.

'A dream come true' for Sunny Mehta, becoming GM of his hometown NJ Devils

Mehta grew up in nearby Totowa, N.J.

"This is a dream come true for a New Jersey kid, who grew up watching Devils’ practices just 20 minutes away in Totowa,” said Mehta."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.

"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 Devils missed the playoffs this season for the second time in three years and performed under expectations.

Next up should be a decision on the future of head coach Sheldon Keefe.