{"id":549877,"date":"2026-04-10T23:24:57","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T23:24:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/549877\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T23:24:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T23:24:57","slug":"sunny-mehta-would-check-a-lot-of-boxes-for-the-new-jersey-devils","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/549877\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunny Mehta would check a lot of boxes for the New Jersey Devils"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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.<\/p>\n

Given the qualities they\u2019re prioritizing, it\u2019s hardly surprising Florida Panthers assistant GM Sunny Mehta has been identified by the organization as a top candidate for the GM vacancy.<\/p>\n

This from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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As head of analytics for the Cup champs, his background fits a big part of the profile for both the Devils and Leafs.<\/p>\n

On paper, you\u2019d be hard pressed to find a better fit for the Devils.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

He is progressive and someone who could help maximize the analytics department the Devils have already invested significant resources into.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s 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).<\/p>\n

He is also a winner. Mehta has been with the Panthers since 2023 and they have won two Stanley Cups during that time.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not to overstate his role or suggest he deserves credit for every good move they made along the way \u2013 only that it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

In short, he\u2019s a two-time Stanley Cup winner, he\u2019s a local guy, he already has experience working for the organization, and he\u2019s an analytically-driven mind who will bring fresh ideas to the table and help push the envelope forward in creative ways.<\/p>\n

Pair him with another experienced mind who blends old school and new school \u2013 and has the ability to manage an organization with a steady hand (like Brendan Shanahan) \u2013 and you have the makings of a high-end front office.<\/p>\n