Sunny Mehta: New Jersey Devils' GM, Homecoming Hero

0:00On April 17th, Sunny Metta just got named the new general manager for the new Jersey Devils on Thursday. The 48-year-old steps in after Thomas Gerald got fired back on April 6th. It's a homecoming for Metta, who's a Jersey kid ready to shake things up. Metta spent the last six seasons with the Florida Panthers, including three as assistant GM and head of analytics. Under his watch there, they grabbed back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025. But winning know-how is exactly what the Devils need right now. Devils managing partner David Blitzer couldn't be happier, calling Metta's Panthers experience and Devils familiarity, the perfect combo for playoff, runs and cupchases. Metta himself said it's a dream gig, growing up just 20 minutes from Devils practices in Totoa. He shouted out the Panthers, but is pumped for Jersey's young core and fired up fans. His career kicked off as a consultant with the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2010-2011 season.

1:01Three years later, Blitzer brought him to the Devils as director of hockey analytics for four seasons under GM's Lou LaMorielo and Ray Sherrow. He even consulted for the Washington Capitals in 2019-2020, before heading to Florida. The Devils wrapped this season at 42 wins, 37 losses and three overtime losses, landing 7th in the Metropolitan Division. They also have been scarce since their 2012 cup final loss, with just three appearances and one series win since. Metta's got the tools to turn that young squad into contenders and chase those glory days from 1995, 2000 and 2000, three. You've been listening to NHL News today, AI Power Team Coverage.