New Jersey Devils Hire Analytics Guru Sunny Mehta as GM

The former Panthers assistant GM returns to his home state to lead the Devils' front office.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant blue, red, and silver tones, conveying the analytical and innovative approach the new Devils GM will bring to the team.The New Jersey Devils' new general manager Sunny Mehta brings a unique analytical approach to help rebuild the team into an NHL contender.Totowa Today

The New Jersey Devils have hired Sunny Mehta, a former assistant general manager for the Florida Panthers, as their new general manager. Mehta, who grew up in Wycoff, New Jersey, previously worked for the Devils as the team's head of analytics from 2014-2018. He now gets his first opportunity as the top decision-maker in an NHL front office.

Why it matters

The Devils have struggled to make the playoffs in recent years, missing the postseason in 7 of the last 10 seasons. Mehta's analytics-driven approach and unique background could help the team build a contender around young stars like Jack Hughes. His homecoming also generates excitement among the Devils' passionate fan base.

The details

In addition to his NHL front office experience, the 48-year-old Mehta has an eclectic resume that includes studying jazz guitar, earning a master's degree in data science, and publishing books on poker strategy. He'll need to address several key questions, like whether to keep head coach Sheldon Keefe, extend captain Nico Hischier long-term, and improve the team's bottom-six depth and scoring.

  • Mehta was previously the Devils' head of analytics from 2014-2018.
  • He is now returning to New Jersey as the team's new general manager in 2026.

The players

Sunny Mehta

The new general manager of the New Jersey Devils, who previously worked as an assistant GM for the Florida Panthers and as the Devils' head of analytics from 2014-2018.

Jack Hughes

A young star forward for the New Jersey Devils who Mehta will look to build around as the new GM.

Nico Hischier

The captain of the New Jersey Devils, whose long-term contract extension will be a key priority for new GM Sunny Mehta.

Sheldon Keefe

The current head coach of the New Jersey Devils, whose future with the team is uncertain under the new GM.

Simon Nemec

A young Devils player whose future with the team will be evaluated by new GM Sunny Mehta.

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What they’re saying

“This is a dream come true for a New Jersey kid who grew up watching Devils' practices just 20 minutes away in Totowa.”

— Sunny Mehta, New Jersey Devils General Manager

“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.”

— Sunny Mehta, New Jersey Devils General Manager

What’s next

Mehta will need to quickly evaluate the Devils' roster and coaching staff, make key decisions on contract extensions, and develop a long-term plan to return the team to the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Devils' hiring of Sunny Mehta, a data-driven executive with a unique background, signals a new era of analytics-based decision-making in New Jersey. His homecoming and mandate to build around the team's young core has generated optimism that the Devils can end their playoff drought and become a contender again.