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Devils Name Braden Birch Assistant GM and Utica Comets GM

The move signals Sunny Mehta’s push to import Florida’s cap-savvy, title-winning methods.

New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) makes his entrance to the ice after the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Prudential Center.
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Overview

  • The Devils announced the hiring Monday, installing Birch to help lead scouting, contract talks, roster construction, and salary-cap strategy.
  • Birch will also run the AHL Utica Comets as general manager, succeeding Dan MacKinnon after Utica missed the playoffs by one point in 2025–26.
  • The Hamilton, Ontario native spent 12 years with the Florida Panthers and most recently oversaw cap management after serving as director of hockey operations.
  • Mehta worked with Birch on Florida’s 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup teams, and this marks his first staff addition since taking over in April.
  • The dual role ties NHL decisions to AHL development, positioning New Jersey for coordinated roster moves ahead of the draft and free agency.