New Jersey Devils Appoint Braden Birch as Assistant GM in First Major Move Under Sunny Mehta

New Jersey Devils fans are witnessing a new era in the team's front office as the organization announced the hiring of Braden Birch as assistant general manager. This marks the first major front-office move by recently appointed head of hockey operations, Sunny Mehta, signaling a fresh direction for the franchise as it looks to build on its storied legacy.

The announcement was made official by the team on May 11, with both ESPN NHL and NHL.com reporting the appointment. Birch's addition is noteworthy not just as a routine staffing change, but as the inaugural hire under Mehta’s leadership, suggesting a strategic approach to building out the Devils' hockey operations department.

• Braden Birch joins the Devils as assistant general manager, officially announced May 11, 2026.
• This is the first front-office addition under new GM Sunny Mehta.
• The move is seen as a foundational step in Mehta’s vision for the team’s future.

Birch's background and experience, while not detailed in the official releases, are expected to complement Mehta’s analytical and modern approach to team management. As the Devils continue to evolve their organizational structure, this hire is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and a renewed focus on both player development and roster construction.

The timing of the announcement—just weeks after Mehta's own promotion—underscores the urgency with which the Devils are looking to reshape their management group following recent seasons of transition. With the NHL offseason approaching, Mehta and Birch are expected to collaborate closely on critical decisions, including the upcoming draft and free agency period.

The Devils’ fanbase and league observers will be watching closely as Birch settles into his new role and as further moves potentially signal the direction of the franchise under Mehta’s stewardship. The organization’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth appears to be at the forefront as they build toward a competitive future.