NHL3d ago
Sunny Mehta Takes Over Devils After Unlikely Path
Former trader and poker player rises from fan to general manager of the team he once cheered
· 2 min read
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From fan to front office
Sunny Mehta grew up cheering for the Devils in the stands at the Meadowlands while wearing a red-and-black jacket. At age 48 he now runs the club after a career that included work as a derivatives trader and poker player who wrote books on strategy. He entered the league as a data consultant before rising through analytics roles and serving as an assistant general manager with the Panthers, where he helped secure two Stanley Cup titles. His background sets him apart from many peers who played in the league or spent decades in front offices.
Early moves and roster decisions
Mehta traded restricted free agent defenseman Simon Nemec to Calgary shortly after taking the job. He committed to honoring no-movement clauses for protected veterans, including 33-year-old Dougie Hamilton under a contract carrying a 9 million dollar cap hit for two more seasons. He also dealt goalie Jacob Markstrom, leaving the net to Jake Allen and Nico Daws. These steps came amid internal dynamics and questions about the team's recent lack of playoff success.
Philosophy on building the roster
Mehta views goaltending as a position with lower predictability compared to others when weighing asset investments. He prefers direct and transparent dealings with other teams rather than elaborate tactics drawn from his poker experience. The focus remains on acquiring strong players at favorable costs to deliver a winning team, with an eye toward opportunities that may arise in upcoming summers.
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