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Devils make first hire under new GM Sunny Mehta originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New Jersey Devils and recently named General Manager Sunny Mehta have hired Braden Birch as Assistant General Manager, with the hiring marking the first one under Mehta — who was named the New Jersey GM on April 16.
The announcement was made by Mehta and the Devils on the morning of May 11. In his new role, Birch will serve as General Manager of the Utica Comets (American Hockey League), in addition to assisting Mehta and the rest of the Devils' staff in scouting, contract management, roster and cap strategy. Birch previously worked with Mehta as part of the Florida Panthers’ front office that helped win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025 and has spent over a decade — 12 years to be exact — with Florida. His most recent role saw him working as Director of Hockey Operations and Salary Cap Management for the past five years before previously serving as Special Assistant to the General Manager.
Birch will serve as the Comets’ fourth GM in franchise history and succeeds Dan MacKinnon who held the post for the previous five seasons. Utica most recently concluded the 2025-26 season by missing the playoffs by one point.
Mehta said Birch will serve as a huge asset to the New Jersey organization.
"Braden will be an extremely valuable addition to our senior hockey operations group," said Mehta in the Devils' release provided to the media. "His blend of on-ice experience, management background, and intellect will serve him well in his new role. 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.”
Braden Birch hired as Assistant General Manager for New Jersey Devils
Birch was a defenseman himself and was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks following his time with Cornell University, where he served as tri-captain during his senior season with the Big Red. He also has a master’s degree in Sports Management from Florida Atlantic.
The Hamilton, Ontario native said he is looking to do everything in his power to help the Devils earn Stanley Cup Championships in his role as Assistant GM.
"I am really excited to take this next step in my professional career," said Birch. "I want to thank Bill Zito, the Viola family, and the entire Florida Panthers organization for 12 amazing years, and the ability to help a front office achieve the ultimate goal of Stanley Cup Championships. I also greatly appreciate them giving me the opportunity to grow my professional career in New Jersey. 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."
Mehta replaced Tom Fitzgerald as GM of the New Jersey franchise. Fitzgerald had served in that role since Jan. of 2020.
MORE:Sunny Mehta welcomed as Devils GM at introductory presser
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