The New Jersey Devils need to make the right choice for their next general manager.
The question is, will he retain both the positions of GM and President of Hockey Operations? Or will those roles be divided?
Rumors are circulating with the belief that the former Devils forward and Toronto Maple Leafs POHO could step into New Jersey as the next president.
We’ll see if it works out, but don’t believe he’ll take on the GM role.
Tom Fitzgerald leaves behind a very capable roster. Despite the setbacks in 2025-26, Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and company could be a playoff threat next season.
The problem is that the core of the Devils—though still young—is not getting any younger. The idea should be that the move to the next GM will last as long as the Devils’ core can compete for a Stanley Cup in New Jersey.
So, who should be the “must interview” for Devils owners, David Blitzer and Josh Harris, as well as the rest of the search committee?
Sunny Mehta-Florida Panthers Assistant GM
The NHL is a copycat league, so obviously the teams with vacant GM positions are going to be the most successful organizations over the last two seasons.
Sunny Mehta is the assistant GM and head of analytics for the Florida Panthers, joining the Devils as the former director of hockey analytics from 2014 to 2017, and a former resident of Wyckoff, New Jersey.
Mehta is a unique mind as a data scientist, musician, two-time best-selling author, and a former professional poker player. Additionally, he is an options trader, all these things show his talent.
Now the two-time Stanley Cup assistant general manager is one of the rising names in the NHL managerial world. He is said to be one of the minds that uncovered Jesper Bratt during his time with the Devils and it appears he is ready to take a seat as a full-time GM in the NHL.
Brett Peterson-Florida Panthers Assistant GM
While in Florida, we’re talking about another Panthers assistant GM who is a similarly hot name.
Like Mehta, Peterson has also been a part of the last two Stanley Cup championships. However, there is one thing in his toolkit that Mehta doesn’t have. Pietersen is a former player agent – meaning he knows what to expect and deal with both the management and player sides.
In fact, Peterson is already in line to serve as GM for the 2026 U.S. Men’s World Championship team, which begins next month. If the Devils decide to name a president and then take their time looking for a GM, we can get a taste of how Peterson builds the roster as an appetizer.
John Chayka-Former Arizona Coyotes GM
Well, the Devils wanted John Chayka at first. And although it’s a bit messed up, it was six years ago at this point. It’s time for everyone to move on from the past and give Chayka another chance.
The youngest appointed NHL GM in history, Chayka built an Arizona Coyotes roster that clinched a Stanley Cup playoff berth for the first time in eight seasons by the end of the 2019–20 season. His sudden end in Arizona doesn’t change his track record of good drafting, the ability to make free-agent signings and scoring in trades.
After all, he’s the same guy who acquired Taylor Hall from the Devils and drafted studs like Clayton Keller and Jacob Chykrun.
Certainly, proceed with caution given Chayka’s past, but if Shanahan is indeed going to be president, there will be a level of stability over Chayka. If the Devils are determined to move forward with an analytical approach, look no further than Chayka.
Jason Spezza-Pittsburgh Penguins assistant GM
It seems like wherever Kyle Dubas has gone, Jason Spezza is following him. Well, Dubas is considered one of the smartest young minds in hockey.
Spezza has been Dubas’ right-hand man with the Maple Leafs since 2022-23, and over the past two seasons he served as assistant GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins and general manager of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Spezza retired in 2022 following an illustrious 19-year NHL career, in which he served as captain of the Ottawa Senators in 2013–14. He soon moved up to the assistant GM position under Dubas and has remained there ever since.
With Spezza’s help, the Penguins have overturned the narrative that followed them from 2023 to 2025 as an old and slow team that needs to break it out to the studs. In 2025-26, they are all but a playoff lock.
After the Devils’ disappointment this season, they could use a mind at the top who knows how to revive the Roosters’ winning ways.
JAmy Langenbrunner-Boston Bruins Assistantt gm
And last, but certainly not least, is a familiar face and name. From 2007–08 to 2010–11, ex-Devils captain Jaime Langenbrunner worked with the Boston Bruins under Don Sweeney as their assistant GM.
Langenbrunner is a two-time Stanley Cup champion in New Jersey in 2003 and an Olympic silver medalist who has served in Boston’s management since 2015.
Langenbrunner’s duties also include managing the Providence Bruins, and if you look at their last few seasons, they have been one of the best teams in the AHL.
Langenbrunner is said to be one of the smartest players in emerging hockey management. Sweeney is said to be leaning on Langenbrunner for the Bruins GM role.
Bringing in Langenbrunner is about more than just nostalgia. His ability to climb the managerial ladder over the past 11 years has been remarkable, and the Devils could give him the opportunity to reach the top.
#essential #interviews #vacant #Devils #position
