Sunny Mehta returns to Devils as new general manager

Mehta previously worked for the Devils from 2014-2018 before joining the Florida Panthers

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:25am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game or match, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the colors of the New Jersey Devils' uniforms.Mehta's analytical approach aims to reshape the Devils' roster and playing style.Totowa Today

Sunny Mehta, who previously served as the director of hockey analytics for the New Jersey Devils, has been hired as the team's new general manager. Mehta, 48, has worked with the Florida Panthers since 2020 as an assistant general manager and head of analytics, helping them win the past two Stanley Cups. He will now be in charge of all hockey operations for the Devils, who missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

Why it matters

The Devils are looking to return to being a contender in the NHL, and Mehta's experience in analytics and player development could help them build around their young core of players like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Simon Nemec, and Nico Hischier.

The details

Mehta, a New Jersey native, previously worked for the Devils from 2014-2018 before joining the Florida Panthers. As the new general manager, he will be responsible for evaluating the team's head coach Sheldon Keefe and his coaching staff. The Devils will also have to decide whether to offer captain Nico Hischier a contract extension, as he has one year left on his current deal.

  • Mehta was hired by the Devils on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Hischier's contract with the Devils has one year remaining as of July 1, 2026.

The players

Sunny Mehta

The new general manager of the New Jersey Devils, who previously worked for the team from 2014-2018 as the director of hockey analytics. Mehta has also worked for the Florida Panthers, helping them win the past two Stanley Cups.

Jack Hughes

A young star player for the New Jersey Devils, who is part of the team's core group of talented players.

Jesper Bratt

A young forward for the New Jersey Devils, who is part of the team's core group of talented players.

Simon Nemec

A young defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, who is part of the team's core group of talented players.

Nico Hischier

The captain of the New Jersey Devils, who has one year remaining on his current seven-year, $50.75 million contract.

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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. 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.”

— Sunny Mehta, New General Manager, New Jersey Devils

What’s next

The Devils will have to decide by July 1, 2026 whether to offer captain Nico Hischier a contract extension, as he has one year left on his current deal.

The takeaway

Sunny Mehta's return to the New Jersey Devils as the new general manager represents an opportunity for the team to build around their young core of talented players and potentially return to being a contender in the NHL. His experience in analytics and player development could be valuable in helping the Devils improve after missing the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.