Sunny Mehta Named New Jersey Devils General Manager

New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta has already traded defenseman Simon Nemec and goaltender Jacob Markstrom to reshape the roster.

Sunny Mehta has officially replaced Tom Fitzgerald as the general manager of the New Jersey Devils. Mehta, a 48-year-old former derivatives trader and professional poker player, joined the organization after serving as the assistant general manager for the Florida Panthers, where he won two Stanley Cups. A lifelong Devils fan, Mehta previously worked as an NHL data consultant and analytics director before moving into executive roles.

Upon taking the position, Mehta executed several significant roster moves, including trading 2022 No. 2 overall pick Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames. He also traded starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the Panthers in a deal that brought forward Evan Rodrigues to New Jersey. Following the Markstrom departure, the Devils' goaltending duties shifted to the tandem of Jake Allen and Nico Daws. Mehta publicly stated his reluctance to invest significant assets into the goaltending position, citing the unpredictability of the role compared to high-scoring skaters.

Regarding the team's veteran core, Mehta confirmed he will honor trade protection for players such as 33-year-old defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who has two seasons remaining on a contract with a $9 million annual cap hit. Looking ahead to the next offseason, Mehta declined to comment specifically on Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, though he noted his objective is to acquire high-end talent at efficient prices to pursue the franchise's first Stanley Cup since 2003.