NHL Teams Seek Analytics Expertise in GM Searches

Leafs, Devils, and Predators look to hire analytics-driven executives as the NHL embraces data-driven decision-making.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey scene, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the complex, analytical nature of modern sports management.The NHL's growing reliance on analytics experts signals a strategic shift towards a more data-driven approach to hockey operations.Today in Nashville

Several NHL teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Nashville Predators, are in the midst of general manager searches, with the Florida Panthers' Sunny Mehta emerging as a top candidate. Mehta's expertise in analytics and data-driven hockey operations is seen as a valuable asset as the league shifts towards a more strategic, numbers-driven approach to team-building and player development.

Why it matters

The potential hiring of Mehta by the Leafs or Devils would signal a significant shift in the NHL towards embracing analytics and data-driven decision-making. This could have far-reaching implications for how teams identify, develop, and manage talent, potentially leading to more sustainable and successful franchises.

The details

Mehta currently serves as the director of analytics for the Florida Panthers and as an assistant general manager for the Stanley Cup champions. His expertise in using data and advanced metrics to inform hockey operations is highly sought after by teams looking to gain a competitive edge through a more analytical approach.

  • The Leafs, Devils, and Predators are all currently conducting general manager searches.
  • Mehta's contract with the Panthers is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Sunny Mehta

The director of analytics for the Florida Panthers and an assistant general manager for the Stanley Cup champions, Mehta is emerging as a top candidate for several NHL teams' general manager openings due to his expertise in using data and advanced metrics to inform hockey operations.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are one of the NHL teams currently searching for a new general manager, with Mehta's analytics-driven approach seen as a potential fit for the franchise.

New Jersey Devils

The Devils are also in the market for a new general manager, and Mehta's data-driven expertise is reportedly of interest to the organization as they look to build a more sustainable and successful franchise.

Nashville Predators

The Predators are the third NHL team currently conducting a general manager search, with Mehta's analytics background potentially appealing to the organization as they look to evolve their hockey operations.

Florida Panthers

Mehta's current employer, the Florida Panthers, are the reigning Stanley Cup champions, and his role in the team's analytics-driven approach has been a key factor in their recent success.

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What they’re saying

“Mehta's expertise in analytics could be a game-changer for whichever team is able to bring him on board. The NHL is increasingly becoming a more strategic and data-driven league, and Mehta's ability to leverage advanced metrics could give a franchise a significant competitive advantage.”

— NHL Insider

What’s next

The Leafs, Devils, and Predators are expected to continue their general manager searches in the coming weeks, with Mehta's potential hiring by one of these teams being a key storyline to follow as the NHL offseason unfolds.

The takeaway

The NHL's growing embrace of analytics and data-driven decision-making is a significant shift for a league that has traditionally been driven by star power and on-ice performance. The Leafs, Devils, and Predators' interest in Sunny Mehta highlights the increasing importance of analytics expertise in hockey operations, and could signal a new era of more strategic and sustainable team-building in the NHL.