The New Jersey Devils are poaching from a championship pedigree to jumpstart their rebuild. New General Manager Sunny Mehta made his first power move by hiring Braden Birch as his deputy.

The duo arrives in Newark fresh off consecutive Stanley Cup titles with the Florida Panthers, where Mehta was initially brought in as Vice President of Hockey Strategy and Intelligence. He was subsequently promoted to Assistant General Manager and head of analytics in 2023.

Meanwhile, Birch worked as Director of Hockey Operations and Salary Cap Management, adding to his 12-year association with the Panthers.

The Devils have banked on the two to improve the squad and bring success after a string of underwhelming campaigns. Notably, Mehta has a history with the team, having served as its Director of Hockey Analytics in 2014.

Reflecting on Birch's appointment, Mehta praised his experience, intelligence, and playing background.

"His blend of on-ice experience, management background, and intellect will serve him well in his new role," he said, as reported by ESPN. "Braden will work to bolster all areas of our operation."

The Devils are continuing their rebuild, which saw them not renew some executives’ contracts. The team recently parted ways with AGM Dan MacKinnon and Senior Advisor Chuck Fletcher.

With the Devils' last Stanley Cup coming in 2003, Mehta and Birch have their work cut out.

Birch Excited to Work With Mehta and Devils

While expressing excitement for his new role, Birch thanked the Florida Panthers and highlighted their contribution to his career.

"I am really excited to take this next step in my professional career," he stated. "I also greatly appreciate them (Panthers) giving me the opportunity to grow my professional career in New Jersey."

Extending his assocation with Mehta, Birch also noted the task at hand with the New Jersey Devils.

"I look forward to working with Sunny and his group on returning the Devils to the levels of success that we believe they can achieve." he stated.

By bringing in Birch, Mehta is not just filling a position. He is establishing a foundation for how the Devils will operate moving forward.

The New Jersey Devils suffered a disappointing 2025-26 season, which resulted in the dismissal of GM Tom Fitzgerald. They finished seventh in the Wild Card Division in the Eastern Conference, and missed the playoffs for the second time in three years.

Besides underwhelming performances, their recent campaigns have also been marred by injuries.

With a series of fresh hires, the team will seek new beginnings next season.

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul