New Jersey Devils hire Sunny Mehta as general manager after playoff miss

The New Jersey Devils have appointed Sunny Mehta as their new general manager, bringing the former Florida Panthers executive back to Newark following a disappointing season.

Owner David Blitzer confirmed the appointment on Thursday evening, acting swiftly less than 48 hours after the regular season concluded without a playoff berth.

The incoming executive replaces longtime incumbent Tom Fitzgerald, who was dismissed late in the year amid a struggling on-ice product.

A return to familiar surroundings

This move marks a homecoming for the analytics specialist, who previously served as the franchise’s director of hockey analytics between 2014 and 2018.

Since departing the organisation, he spent time with the Washington Capitals before finding immense success in Florida.

As an assistant general manager with the Panthers, he played a crucial role in a front office that secured back-to-back Stanley Cup championships over the past two years.

Uncertainty remains on the bench

While the front office void has been quickly addressed, questions linger over the current coaching staff.

The long-term future of head coach Sheldon Keefe remains decidedly unclear as the team plots its crucial summer rebuild.

Management will now pivot towards critical off-season decisions as they look to return the Metropolitan Division side to postseason contention.