New Jersey Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta is making his first major imprint on the franchise’s front office. The organization announced Monday morning that Braden Birch has been hired as the team's new Assistant General Manager.
Added a new Assistant General Manager to the front office roster.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) May 11, 2026
Welcome to the Devils, Braden!
Birch, 36, will also take the reins as the General Manager of the Devils' AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets. In New Jersey, he will aid Mehta extensively in contract negotiations, salary cap strategy, amateur and pro scouting, and overall roster management.
In a statement, Birch noted that he is excited to make the move to the Garden State.
“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.”
The hire reunites Mehta and Birch, who worked closely together for years in the Florida Panthers' front office. Birch spent 12 years in the Panthers organization, starting as an intern and eventually rising to Director of Hockey Operations and Salary Cap Management.
"Braden will be an extremely valuable addition to our senior hockey operations group," Mehta said in a prepared statement. "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."