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The New Jersey Devils are targeting a forward-thinking, data-driven hockey mind to spearhead the front office in their quest to reshape it.
Given the qualities they’re prioritizing, it’s hardly surprising Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta has been identified by the organization as a top candidate for the GM vacancy.
This from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic:
Both the New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs have asked and received permission from the Panthers to speak with assistant general manager Sunny Mehta
…
As head of analytics for the Cup champs, his background fits a big part of the profile for both the Devils and Leafs.
On paper, you’d be hard pressed to find a better fit for the Devils.
Mehta grew up in the area, was a Devils fan, and already has ties to the organization after running their analytics department from 2014-2018.
He is progressive and someone who could help maximize the analytics department the Devils have already invested significant resources into.
That’s important for any GM candidate, as evidenced by the importance analytics carry with other organizations in Josh Harris ownership portfolio, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Commanders).
He is also a winner. Mehta has been with the Panthers since 2023 and they have won two Stanley Cups during that time.
That’s not to overstate his role or suggest he deserves credit for every good move they made along the way – only that it’s telling, and a good sign, the team at the top of the NHL food chain saw value in having him be a meaningful part of its decision making process.
In short, he’s a two-time Stanley Cup winner, he’s a local guy, he already has experience working for the organization, and he’s an analytically-driven mind who will bring fresh ideas to the table and help push the envelope forward in creative ways.
Pair him with another experienced mind who blends old school and new school – and has the ability to manage an organization with a steady hand (like Brendan Shanahan) – and you have the makings of a high-end front office.