The New Jersey Devils are making moves under new leadership. On May 11, General Manager Sunny Mehta announced the hiring of Braden Birch as Assistant General Manager—the first major hire since Mehta took the helm on April 16.
Birch brings a championship pedigree to the Devils organization. He spent 12 years with the Florida Panthers, most recently serving as Director of Hockey Operations and Salary Cap Management for the past five seasons. During his tenure, the Panthers captured back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025, giving him firsthand experience in building a winning culture.
In his new role, Birch will wear multiple hats. He'll serve as General Manager of the Devils' AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, while also assisting Mehta with scouting, contract management, roster construction, and salary cap strategy. This dual responsibility positions him as a key bridge between the NHL club and its prospect pipeline.
The Comets are coming off a tough season, missing the playoffs by just one point in 2025-26. Birch will become just the fourth GM in franchise history, taking over for Dan MacKinnon, who held the post for five seasons.
Birch's hockey roots run deep. A former defenseman, he was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks after a standout collegiate career at Cornell University, where he served as tri-captain during his senior season. He also holds a master's degree, adding an academic edge to his hockey IQ.
Mehta couldn't hide his excitement about the addition. "Braden will be an extremely valuable addition to our senior hockey operations group," the new GM said in a statement. "His blend of on-ice experience, management background, and intellect will serve him well. Braden will work to bolster all areas of our operation, and I look forward to him joining our existing front office, where his personality and work ethic will fit in excellently."
For Devils fans, this hire signals a clear direction: build a winning organization from the ground up, starting with the front office. And with a Stanley Cup-winning architect now in the fold, the future in New Jersey is looking brighter.