Panthers Assistant GM Sunny Mehta Hired as Devils' New GM

Mehta leaves Florida after years of continuity in the Panthers' front office.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:09am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey arena and players in motion, with the colors of the Devils and Panthers uniforms prominently featured, representing the transition of a key front office executive between the two NHL teams.The hiring of Sunny Mehta as the new Devils GM signals a shift in leadership and a chance for a fresh start in New Jersey.Sunrise Today

The New Jersey Devils have hired Sunny Mehta, previously the assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers, as their new general manager. Mehta, who grew up in the area, is leaving the Panthers' front office after years of stability there.

Why it matters

This move represents a significant change in the Devils' leadership as they look to rebuild and return to playoff contention. Mehta's departure also marks a shift in the Panthers' front office, which has maintained a consistent group for some time.

The details

Mehta, who has been the assistant GM in Florida for the past several seasons, will now take over the top job in New Jersey as the Devils aim to turn around their fortunes. The 42-year-old executive is a native of the New Jersey/New York area and is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Devils' front office.

  • On April 17, 2026, the New Jersey Devils announced Sunny Mehta as their new general manager.

The players

Sunny Mehta

A 42-year-old executive who was previously the assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers and is now the new general manager of the New Jersey Devils.

Bill Zito

The general manager of the Florida Panthers, who will now have to fill Mehta's role in the team's front office.

New Jersey Devils

The NHL team that has hired Sunny Mehta as their new general manager as they look to rebuild and return to playoff contention.

Florida Panthers

The NHL team that is losing their assistant general manager Sunny Mehta to the New Jersey Devils.

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What they’re saying

“Sunny Mehta is the right person to lead our organization forward. His experience, vision, and commitment to building a winning culture make him the ideal choice as our new general manager.”

— David Blitzer, Co-Managing Partner, New Jersey Devils

What’s next

Mehta will now begin assembling his staff and implementing his plan to turn the Devils into a playoff contender once again.

The takeaway

This move represents a significant shift in the leadership of the New Jersey Devils as they look to chart a new course, while also creating a void in the Florida Panthers' front office that will need to be filled.